The commissioner of the National Patriotism Corps (NPC), Hellen Seku, has urged student leaders across the country to reject violence and riots, calling instead for discipline, patriotism and a transformed mindset as the foundation of Uganda’s national progress.
Seku made the remarks while addressing more than 1,500 student leaders drawn from universities and tertiary institutions nationwide during the Uganda National Students Council (UNSA) annual general meeting, currently underway at Seeta University in Mukono district.
The meeting runs from December 15 to 19. Participants include district delegates, guild representatives, district coordinators, secretariat staff and alumni. Seku said discipline is central to both academic success and effective leadership.
“Where there is discipline, it becomes easy to excel in education and leadership. A disciplined youth abides by the laws of the country and respects government and leadership,” she said.
She cautioned students against being drawn into street protests and riots, warning that violence offers no value to either individuals or the country.
“Avoid being lured into riots. Ask yourself: does rioting add value to you? What are you rioting for? National development cannot be built on chaos,” Seku said.
She stressed that students, as future leaders, must be ambassadors of peace and stability, especially at a time when the country requires responsible and principled leadership. The patriotism commissioner also emphasised the importance of knowledge, discipline and values in shaping a progressive generation.
“You should love knowledge. The more you love knowledge, the wiser you become,” she told the students.
According to Seku, knowledge, when combined with discipline and patriotism, forms the backbone of national development and responsible citizenship. She encouraged young people to cultivate self-discipline, rise early, reject laziness and remain focused on personal and national growth.
Seku further urged students to uphold moral values, arguing that a God-fearing society is less prone to corruption and social decay.
“When you are godly, you avoid vices such as corruption, theft and other destructive behaviours. When you put God first, all shall be well with you,” she said.
She also called on the youth to embrace hard work and the dignity of labour, urging them not to undermine any decent job.
“Work adds value to your life, your family, your community and the country,” she said. Addressing students who may not advance through formal education, Seku encouraged them not to lose hope, highlighting government initiatives aimed at empowering young people, including the Parish Development Model (PDM) and presidential skilling hubs across the country.
The UNSA annual general assembly is expected to culminate on December 19 with the election of new student leadership. President Yoweri Museveni, who is also UNSA’s chief patron, is expected to officially close the meeting.
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