Lira, Uganda | More than 2,800 students from Lira University and other tertiary institutions in Lira City have completed Patriotism Training, an initiative designed to strengthen national unity, discipline, and civic responsibility among Uganda’s youth.
The graduation ceremony, held on 7th October 2025 at Lira University Main Campus, saw 2,865 students formally passed out as patriots.
The trainees were drawn from four universities and nine tertiary institutions, including medical and technical schools.
Lira City Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Lawrence Egole praised President Yoweri Museveni for introducing the Patriotism Training Programme in schools and higher institutions of learning.
He said the initiative had reinforced national pride and prepared young citizens to play a meaningful role in Uganda’s transformation.
Egole emphasized that patriotism formed the moral foundation of a stable and united nation, fostering loyalty, hard work, and love for the country.
He explained that the government had invested in building patriotism among students because they represented the country’s future leadership and workforce.
He further noted that through the training, students learned Uganda’s history, understood its national symbols, and appreciated the importance of unity and cultural heritage.
He added that the programme encouraged discipline and selfless service while inspiring learners to become agents of positive change in their communities.
Lira University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng commended the RCC’s office for coordinating the training and ensuring that it benefited institutions across the city.
He said the programme had promoted character formation, leadership development, and civic engagement among students.
Prof. Ogwal Okeng observed that students who underwent the training were better prepared to uphold values such as honesty, integrity, and teamwork—qualities he described as essential for national development.
He stressed that patriotic students were motivated to serve their nation with dedication and purpose, adding that the programme nurtured discipline and leadership critical to Uganda’s progress.
Lira University Dean of Students, Emma Aceng, said the patriotism programme had helped to strengthen unity and cooperation among students from different ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
She explained that it promoted social cohesion by encouraging tolerance, mutual respect, and a shared national identity.
Aceng added that the training had also helped students to become responsible citizens who respected laws, protected public property, and contributed to community and national development initiatives.
She expressed appreciation to the university management for supporting the programme and hosting the ceremony, describing it as a milestone in nurturing a generation of students committed to peace, progress, and national service.
The Patriotism Training Programme, initiated by the Office of the President, continues to be implemented in schools and universities across Uganda to instil discipline, civic duty, and national values among young people.