Over 400 university and tertiary students from the Kigezi sub-region have participated in a civic engagement organized by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), where they were urged to embrace patriotism, ideological clarity, wealth creation, and peaceful participation in democratic processes.
The session, held as part of the Tarehe Sita Defence Forces Week ahead of the 45th anniversary of the liberation struggle, was themed “Transforming the Youth into Good Patriots.”
Speaking to students, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, of the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, stressed the importance of guiding young people at a critical stage in their lives.
“We are here to link with you because you are still in the early hours of your journey. You are being prepared to manage the affairs of our society and our nation,” Maj Gen Masiko said.
He highlighted the historical roots of the UPDF, tracing its formation from student-led movements in the 1970s, and reminded students of the sacrifices made by young intellectuals during Uganda’s liberation.
“This journey goes back to 1971, when a new force of intellectuals began questioning the direction of society. That process gave birth to FRONASA, the National Resistance Army, and today, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces,” he explained.
Maj Gen Masiko encouraged the students to embrace patriotism based on ideology rather than tribe or religion, and stressed that national development depends on wealth creation and production, rather than division or identity politics.
“Patriotism is about understanding that we need one another as producers and consumers. Ideological clarity is key to national development,” he said.
He also warned students against misinformation and ideological confusion, urging them to seek truth through reading, critical thinking, and studying national documents, including the Constitution.
“The truth is always there, but it is often buried under falsehoods. As intellectuals, your responsibility is to dig for it,” Maj Gen Masiko added.
On the upcoming elections, Maj Gen Masiko called on youth to remain peaceful and reject manipulation.
“Democracy is orderly decision-making, not mob action. Excitement should never turn into violence. We want you to be ambassadors of peace and stability,” he said.
Students described the engagement as timely and eye-opening.
“I have learned the importance of keeping peace during elections and loving my motherland, not only Uganda but Africa as a whole,” said Musanyana Tracy, a Makerere University student.
“The meeting has enlightened us on Uganda’s progress, especially in infrastructure and services. We have learned how to resolve issues without violence and to respect elders during the election period,” said Bainomugisha Innocent, a third-year law student at Kampala International University.
The engagement is part of the UPDF’s civil-military outreach initiatives, aimed at promoting national unity, peaceful participation, and preparing young people to play constructive roles in the country’s development.
The 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary commemorates the start of the liberation struggle in 1981, which laid the foundation for the modern UPDF.
