Col. Night Ikiriza Challenges Kitende S.S Students to Cultivate Discipline and National Unity

Students at Kitende S.S recently received a powerful reminder that national development begins at the individual level, courtesy of Col. Night Ikiriza. Representing the Special Forces Command (SFC) Commander, Maj Gen. Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, Col. Ikiriza delivered an engaging Lecture of Opportunity focused on mindset transformation, discipline, and civic responsibility.

Addressing the eager learners, the senior military officer underscored that true patriotism extends far beyond symbolic gestures or formal recognition of national emblems. Instead, she argued, it is fundamentally rooted in personal integrity, discipline, and everyday accountability.

“True patriotism begins with self-love, self-respect and personal discipline,” Col. Ikiriza told the students, encouraging them to take personal charge of their actions whether on campus or at home, and to foster a proactive spirit rather than passively waiting for instructions.

Reflecting on Uganda’s turbulent history, she called upon the youth to value the hard-earned peace the nation currently experiences and to actively contribute to its preservation. Unity was another cornerstone of her address; she strongly cautioned learners against tribalism, religious sectarianism, and any form of discrimination. “What is important is the person,” she stressed, advocating for mutual respect and shared humanity.

Beyond national borders, Col. Ikiriza broadened the students’ perspective to continental affairs, urging them to support government development initiatives, the East African integration process, and Pan-African ideals. She emphasized that Africa’s long-term prosperity relies heavily on collective cooperation and shared responsibilities among its people.

The interactive session also served as a stern warning against modern social vices. The SFC officer cautioned the students against corruption, theft, negative peer pressure, pornography, and the misuse of social media platforms. She advised them to channel their energy into academic excellence, cultivating the resilience needed to surmount obstacles rather than resorting to complaints.

“Someone with determination, a hard worker and a resilient person can never fail to succeed,” she noted, inspiring pupils to push through temporary setbacks with courage and hard work.

Addressing socioeconomic pressures, she advised learners to be content with what their parents or guardians can afford, warning against the traps of unhealthy peer comparison and entitlement. “What your father failed to do, you will accomplish,” she remarked encouragingly.

Concluding her lecture, Col. Ikiriza remarked that Uganda requires more than just articulate individuals; the country needs citizens of steadfast integrity who stand by their principles under pressure. She urged the students to embrace hard work, maintain high standards of discipline, and prepare themselves to serve the nation across government and other sectors, reiterating that Uganda’s future rests firmly in the hands of a focused, value-driven generation.