education 4 June 2026 State House (Uganda)
Patriotism and Purpose: Maj. Gen. Matsiko Guides Ugandan Youth on Responsible Citizenship
Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko recently addressed students at Kawempe Muslim Secondary School, emphasizing the critical role of patriotism, discipline, and knowledge in fostering responsible citizens. He highlighted the government's commitment to youth orientation programs aimed at nurturing productive and patriotic individuals. Source: https://statehouse.go.ug/maj-gen-matsiko-emphasises-role-of-patriotism-in-shaping-responsible-citizenry
Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko, representing the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) as the Joint Staff Political Commissariat (JSPC), delivered an impactful lecture to students at Kawempe Muslim Secondary School during a National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC) orientation session.
He underscored that guidance and orientation are fundamental in shaping the path of young people, empowering them to understand their life’s purpose, make sound decisions, and prepare for future responsibilities. This initiative aligns with President Yoweri Museveni’s vision of cultivating a generation of responsible, productive, and patriotic Ugandans through prioritized patriotism and youth-focused programs.
Advising the students, Maj. Gen. Matsiko urged them to embrace diligence in their studies and engage in productive work, echoing the President’s call to action: “No more sleep.” He cautioned against idleness, linking it to poverty and missed opportunities, while emphasizing that success is a product of hard work, commitment, and perseverance.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of safeguarding health and future well-being through responsible choices. Students were encouraged to practice self-discipline, abstain from risky sexual behaviors, and uphold strong moral values. Maintaining personal integrity and deferring intimate relationships until an appropriate time were key aspects of his advice.
Maj. Gen. Matsiko also highlighted the transformative power of knowledge, explaining how it equips individuals to tackle challenges, foster innovation, and contribute significantly to societal and national development. He particularly emphasized the crucial skill of discerning truth from falsehood in a world where both coexist, noting that a grasp of truth leads to better decision-making and effective problem-solving.
The session concluded with a call for focus, discipline, and unwavering patriotism, reminding the students that “the truth sets one free.” This NSPC program aims to instill core values of patriotism, discipline, hard work, and national consciousness in Uganda’s youth.
This information was presented by the State House of Uganda.