Nakalema tips university students on patriotism, character

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State House Investors’ Protection Unit head Col. Edith Nakalema has urged university students across the country to uphold patriotism, discipline and strong personal character, saying the values are essential for building a corruption-free and prosperous Uganda.

Nakalema made the call on Monday, November 17, 2025, during a public lecture at Victoria University in Kampala running under the theme: Patriotism and responsible citizenship: nurturing a safe and conscious generation. 

State House Investors’ Protection Unit head Col. Edith Nakalema. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Nakalema further urged the learners to embrace patriotism and good conduct, arguing that it is the only way they can become successful. She implored them to have value for work, noting that academic excellence alone is not enough.

“The theme of this lecture is timely and compelling in nurturing patriots. Develop your character and get prepared always; your service and conduct can pay you more than your salary can,” Nakalema said.

Nakalema during the public lecture. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Students during the public lecture. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

She added, “Beloved, your daily work as a student should be a triple win, valuable for you, impactful for those around you and a source of pride for our motherland, Uganda. Your effort in your studies is a great spur for national development.”

Victoria University’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Muganga. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Victoria University’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Muganga, implored learners to observe peace, especially during the election period. He noted that there is much the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party government has done, arguing that it is upon the youth to choose either to protect it or destroy it through engaging in activities that lead to violence.

“We are all refugees here; nobody shall live here forever, but as we still live here, we must stand to love our country,” Muganga said.

He pointed out that education, health and defence are nonpartisan, arguing that they should therefore not be politicised.

“You should never mess up with any of the three: Education, health and defence. We thank the government, which is doing all it takes to have the three in place. Also, Victoria University is nurturing patriotism to have learners and the entire public well aligned,” Muganga said.

Muhammad Mwesigye, a resident of Lwengo district who had travelled to attend the public lecture, commended Victoria University for organising the event, underscoring the need to install such lessons in local communities. The move, he said, would curb cases on crime in communities.

President Yoweri Museveni has consistently championed patriotism as a cornerstone of the NRM ideology, naming it the party’s first of four core principles—alongside Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy.

He argues that Uganda’s prosperity depends on citizens loving their country not just emotionally but pragmatically: “you love Uganda because you need it for your prosperity.”

For Museveni, patriotism counters the “politics of identity” based on tribe or religion, urging instead a politics of shared economic interest, since a united national market boosts wealth creation for all Ugandans.

He also underscored that this ideological foundation has helped build strong national institutions and maintain stability over decades.