By Our Staff Reporter

KAMPALA,UGANDA – AUGUST 16, 2026
Member of Parliament representing the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Director of Human Resource Management at the Special Forces Command (SFC), Hon. Col. Night Ikiriza, has urged students of Kitende Secondary School to embrace patriotism, discipline, integrity and a positive mindset as key values for personal growth and national development.

Col. Ikiriza, who represented the SFC Commander, Maj. Gen. Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, made the remarks while delivering a Lecture of Opportunity on patriotism and mindset change at Kitende Secondary School.

She told the students that patriotism goes beyond national symbols and recognition, saying it begins with self-respect, discipline, responsibility and good character.

“True patriotism begins with self-love, self-respect and personal discipline,” Col. Ikiriza said.

She challenged the students to take responsibility for their actions both at school and at home, and encouraged them to develop a spirit of initiative instead of always waiting to be directed.

Students urged to protect Uganda’s peace

Col. Ikiriza reminded the students about Uganda’s difficult past and urged them to appreciate the peace the country currently enjoys while playing their part in protecting it.

She cautioned the learners against tribalism, religious discrimination and other forms of segregation, stressing the importance of unity, respect and valuing every individual.

“What is important is the person,” she told the students.

The SFC senior officer also encouraged the learners to embrace government development programmes, East African integration and Pan-Africanism, saying Africa’s future depends on cooperation and shared responsibility among its people.

Warning against negative behaviour

Col. Ikiriza cautioned the students against behaviours that could negatively affect their future, including corruption, theft, negative peer influence, pornography and irresponsible use of social media.

She urged them to remain focused on their education and develop the courage, discipline and determination needed to overcome challenges rather than simply complaining about them.

The officer emphasised the importance of resilience and hard work, encouraging students not to lose hope when faced with temporary failures.

“Someone with determination, a hard worker and a resilient person can never fail to succeed,” she said.

She further urged the students to appreciate the efforts of their parents and avoid unhealthy comparisons with others, noting that every young person has the opportunity to achieve what previous generations may not have accomplished.

“What your father failed to do, you will accomplish,” she challenged them.

Integrity more important than appearance

Col. Ikiriza said Uganda needs citizens who are not only educated and able to communicate well, but also people of integrity who can uphold their values and principles even when faced with difficult circumstances.

She encouraged the students to work hard, maintain discipline and uphold positive values as they prepare for their future careers.

She also urged them to consider opportunities to serve the country through government and other sectors, stressing that patriotism is demonstrated through action, responsibility and service.

Col. Ikiriza concluded by reminding the students that Uganda’s future depends on a disciplined, focused and value-driven generation capable of contributing positively to the country’s development.