SFC Director Delivers Patriotism Lecture at Kitende
Hon. Col. Night Ikiriza visited Kitende Secondary School today to conduct a Lecture of Opportunity focused on national values and student development.
Rather than framing national pride as a mere performance of symbols, Col. Ikiriza defined it as an internal commitment to discipline, integrity, and personal responsibility.
Defining True Patriotism and Initiative
“True patriotism begins with self-love, self-respect and personal discipline,” Col. Ikiriza stated during the session. She urged the learners to cultivate a spirit of initiative, cautioning them against the habit of waiting for external direction when they possess the capacity to act.
Guarding Stability and Rejecting Division
Drawing on the country’s history, the officer framed the current era of stability as a development that requires active protection from the younger generation.
She pushed back against social divisions, explicitly telling the students to reject tribalism, religious discrimination, and any form of segregation. “What is important is the person,” she emphasized, advocating for a focus on shared humanity and national unity.
Navigating Personal Conduct and Digital Risks
The lecture also addressed the personal conduct of the students. Col. Ikiriza warned against the risks of corruption, theft, and the misuse of social media, which she identified as significant threats to a student’s future. She specifically advised the youth to avoid negative peer influences and the consumption of harmful digital content.
Overcoming Generational Limitations Through Resilience
Regarding academic and personal challenges, she encouraged resilience, telling the students that temporary setbacks should not lead to despair. She urged them to value their parents’ efforts and avoid the pitfalls of unhealthy social comparison.
“What your father failed to do, you will accomplish,” she remarked, framing their education as a tool to overcome generational limitations.
Preparing for Future Leadership and Pan-African Goals
The officer underscored that the nation’s requirement for leadership extends beyond technical proficiency or linguistic skill; it demands citizens with an unwavering sense of integrity. She encouraged the students to consider future roles in government and other sectors, emphasizing that their contribution to the country’s progress—and to broader goals like East African integration and Pan-Africanism—depends on their current dedication to their studies and personal character.
