The Director of Human Resource Management at the Special Force Command (SFC), Colonel Night Ikiriza, has urged students of Kitende Secondary School to embrace patriotism, discipline, integrity and a positive mindset as key values for personal and national development.
Col Ikiriza, who represented the SFC Commander, Maj Gen Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, made the call while delivering a Lecture of Opportunity on patriotism and mindset change at the school.
“True patriotism begins with self-love, self-respect and personal discipline,” Col Ikiriza said, challenging the students to take responsibility for their actions both at school and at home and to develop a spirit of initiative rather than waiting to be pushed by others.
Col Ikiriza encouraged them to appreciate the peace the country has achieved and contribute to its preservation.
She also urged them to embrace government development programmes, East African integration and Pan-Africanism, noting that people across the continent are interconnected and share common interests.
Col Ikiriza cautioned the students against corruption, theft, negative peer influence, pornography and the irresponsible use of social media.
She urged them to remain focused on their education and develop the discipline and courage to address challenges rather than merely complaining about them.
Col Ikiriza further emphasised the importance of resilience, determination and hard work, encouraging the students not to give up when they perform poorly..
She advised the students to live within their means and resist negative influences that may arise from discontentment, urging them to remain focused on their goals and make responsible choices.
The engagement is part of the UPDF’s ongoing outreach programmes through which its officers regularly interact with students in schools and other institutions, providing guidance on patriotism, discipline, leadership, career development and responsible citizenship.
