Col Jackson Kayanja, Deputy Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, has called on the newly graduated students from Gulu College of Health Sciences to become catalysts for positive change across the East African region.
Speaking at the conclusion of the week-long Patriotic Development Course held at the college’s Laro-Pece Division campus in Gulu city, Col Kayanja, representing 4th Infantry Division Commander Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, H.E. Gen Yoweri Museveni, for his visionary initiative to establish patriotic clubs in government educational institutions. These clubs have fostered a sense of discipline and integrity among the youth.
Col Kayanja advised the graduates to carry the values of patriotism they have acquired into their future roles, both within Uganda and internationally. “As you complete your diploma courses and move into your careers, embody the principles of patriotism and act as ambassadors of peace,” he urged.
He emphasised the importance of restraint and harmony in their professional and personal lives, encouraging them to set a positive example for other East African youths.
Reflecting on regional challenges, Col Kayanja cautioned against emulating the negative aspects observed in Kenya’s Generation Z.
He criticised individuals lacking ideological training who foster division and discord, contrasting them with Uganda’s more unified approach. “The destruction caused by the Gen Z in Kenya highlights the dangers of lacking ideological grounding,” he remarked.
He urged the graduates not to take the prevailing peace for granted, recalling the turbulent period of the 1990s in Northern Uganda. Col Kayanja stressed that without peace, socio-economic transformation remains unattainable. He also advocated for self-respect and a healthy lifestyle, advising graduates to avoid unnecessary risks.
Lt Latwolo Kakonge, Chief Instructor of the Patriotic Development Course, outlined the programme, which covered thirteen topics including Political Education, the roles of youth in nation-building, transformative discipline, and methods of work. Topics such as citizenship, civil responsibility, health education, and the core values of patriotism were also addressed. This year’s theme, “Patriotism for Socio-Economic Transformation,” was designed to align with Uganda’s Vision 2040.
Lt Kakonge praised the trainees for their eagerness and resilience, and thanked the facilitators for their dedication. Richard Wakise, a student of Public Health Dentistry and President of the college’s patriotic club, highlighted the course’s impact. He noted the improved self-confidence, discipline, and a positive shift in perceptions towards the military. “The training has instilled a sense of pride and love for our country, and has transformed our views on the army, showing us their friendly and people-oriented nature,” Mr Wakise said.
The course saw participation from 400 trainees and was supported by eight instructors from the UPDF 4th Infantry Division and Patriotic Corp.
Gulu College of Health Sciences, a government-funded institution, continues to integrate patriotism training into its curriculum, which includes diploma and certificate courses in fields such as Public Health Dentistry, Clinical Medicine, Environmental Health, Pharmacy, and Health Leadership and Management.