Lt. Col. Murema challenges SMACK students to embrace patriotism and national responsibility

What the report says

Lt. Col. Frank Murema, commander of the 16 Service Brigade, addressed students at St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) and urged them to build patriotism, discipline, productivity and personal responsibility as they prepare for future leadership roles. According to Watchdog Uganda, he spoke during a lecture on national power and framed citizenship as an active duty in Uganda’s development.

Murema outlined five components he said support national power: diplomacy, information and intelligence, the military, the economy and the population. He told students that strong institutions, a disciplined security sector, a resilient economy and an educated, productive population all contribute to national strength. He also linked education and skills training to Uganda’s development, noting the role of the Competence-Based Curriculum in encouraging practical skills, innovation and responsible citizenship.

He encouraged the learners to work hard, reject destructive influences and use their knowledge responsibly. Murema also emphasized unity, brotherhood and regional integration, telling students to think of East Africa and Africa as wider spaces for trade, entrepreneurship and innovation. The article says he connected these ideas to Uganda’s broader role in Pan-Africanism and its history of hosting refugees.

The engagement ended with a question-and-answer session, where students participated and expressed appreciation for the discussion. The event reflects a broader effort by officials and educators to link youth development, civic values and economic participation, though the article did not provide additional details on the school’s response or any follow-up plans.