Brig Bainababo, Rukundo Rally University Student Leaders to Embrace Patriotism

A powerful call to action has been issued to young leaders in Uganda, urging them to take charge of transforming their communities and societies. The clarion call was sounded by Brigadier General Charity Bainababo, who spoke at the Patriotism and Ideological Training program currently underway at Nkumba University.

Addressing the gathering of University and Tertiary institution leaders, General Bainababo emphasized that young people are not too young to make a meaningful impact. “You’re not too young to change societies and communities,” she declared. “Begin with yourself and your family. As you make your New Year’s resolutions, think about what you want to achieve and what you can offer to the market.”

General Bainababo also encouraged the young leaders to leverage online platforms to showcase their skills and talents. “Utilize online platforms to advertise what you have to sell,” she advised. “It will not be long before you are out of that university hall, and your parents will have stopped paying tuition for you, as well as your upkeep. Everything you want to do later, start it now.”

Colonel Justus Rukundo, Commandant of the Oliver  Reginald Tambo School of Leadership, Kaweweta, reinforced General Bainababo’s message. He stressed the importance of seeking knowledge and being objective. “You should always seek and look for more knowledge so that you can be objective and important to yourself, community, and everywhere you go,” Colonel Rukundo counseled.

Colonel Rukundo also delved into the role of leaders in resolving contradictions and bringing about positive change. “It is the role of the leaders to resolve contradictions, and in that process, new things emerge, and that is what we call the negation of negation,” he explained. He further noted that every system has three components: the dominant present, the passing away old, and the emerging new.

Drawing from his personal experience, Colonel Rukundo shared a poignant reflection. “At one point, I was a young, tiny boy; I did not have a wife and children. It was for God and my stomach, but today, I have people I am accountable to, meaning that I can no longer act like a young boy,” he said.

In a passionate appeal to the young leaders, Colonel Rukundo challenged the prevailing narrative about Africa. “Most of you have been told that Africa is a savage, underdeveloped, and dark continent,” he said. “But the question is, what is the problem with Africa, and what is the truth?”

Colonel Rukundo proudly highlighted Africa’s rich heritage, cultural diversity, and vast natural resources. “It is unfortunate that we are living in a world where we don’t know what is wrong and what is right, and everybody gives information according to what they want,” he lamented. “But do you know that Africa is the second-largest continent, with the biggest single landmass, interconnected people? Africa has got one race with only four major linguistic categories of people.”

The Patriotism and Ideological Training program at Nkumba University aims to equip young leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive positive change in their communities. It is organized by the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps-NSPC , Office of the President which is headed by Commissioner Ms Hellen Seku.

As these young leaders embark on their journey, they are reminded that they have the power to shape their own destiny and that of their continent.