The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), through the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, engaged over 400 university and tertiary students from the Kigezi sub-region, urging them to embrace patriotism, ideological clarity, wealth creation and peaceful participation in the country’s democratic processes.
The engagement, held as part of activities marking the Tarehe Sita Defence Forces Week ahead of the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary, was conducted under the theme “Transforming the Youth into Good Patriots.”
Addressing the students, the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, said the engagement was aimed at connecting with the students at a formative stage of their lives, “We are here to link with you because you are still in the early hours of your journey. You are being prepared to manage the affairs of our society and our nation,” he noted.
He traced the historical and ideological roots of the UPDF, linking its formation to student-led intellectual movements dating back to the early 1970s.
“This moment goes as far back as 1971, when a new force of intellectuals began questioning the direction of society. That process later gave birth to FRONASA, the National Resistance Army, and today, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces,” Maj Gen Masiko said.
He reminded the students of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters, including young intellectuals who lost their lives during Uganda’s struggle for liberation, urging them to honour those sacrifices through responsible citizenship.
Maj Gen Masiko emphasised that the UPDF is founded on a philosophy of prosperity through wealth creation, arguing that poverty can only be defeated through production for the market rather than reliance on division, identity politics or manipulation.
“Patriotism is not about tribe, religion or biology. It is about ideology. It is about understanding that we need one another as producers and consumers,” he said, adding that ideological clarity is key to national development.
He cautioned students against misinformation and ideological confusion, urging them to seek truth through reading, critical thinking and study of national documents such as the Constitution.
“The truth is always there, but it is often buried under falsehoods. As intellectuals, your responsibility is to dig for it,” Maj Gen Masiko told the gathering.
Turning to the upcoming electoral period, Maj Gen Masiko urged the youth to reject violence and manipulation, stressing that the UPDF’s constitutional mandate is to protect Uganda’s sovereignty and support democratic processes.
“Democracy is orderly decision-making, not mob action. Excitement should never turn into violence. We want you to be ambassadors of peace and stability,” he said.
Students who attended the engagement welcomed the interaction, describing it as enlightening and timely.
“I have learned the importance of keeping peace during elections and loving my motherland, not only Uganda but Africa as a whole,” said Musanyana Tracy, a student from Makerere University.
Another participant, Bainomugisha Innocent, a third-year Bachelor of Laws student at Kampala International University, said the session helped him better understand governance and development.
“The meeting has enlightened us on the progress the country has made, especially in infrastructure and services. We have learned how to resolve issues without violence and to listen to elders during the election period,” he said.
The engagement is part of the UPDF’s broader civil-military outreach activities during the Defence Forces Week, aimed at strengthening civil-military relations, promoting national unity, and preparing young people to play a constructive role in Uganda’s future.
The 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary commemorates the launch of the liberation struggle in 1981, which laid the foundation for the modern UPDF.
