Chief Justice Zeija: School Misconduct Can Derail Future Careers

Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija has issued a stern warning to students, emphasizing that their behavior at school can have profound and lasting impacts on their future career prospects. During a Thanksgiving ceremony at St. Mary’s College Rushoroza in Kabale District, where he was honored as an alumnus, Justice Zeija urged students to cultivate hard work, discipline, and humility.

He challenged the notion that success is limited to those from privileged backgrounds, drawing upon his own experiences at the institution. Zeija recounted the considerable challenges faced by students in his era, including arduous journeys to school involving long walks or reliance on pickup trucks, illustrating that a smooth path is not a prerequisite for achievement.

“Our journey was not as smooth as yours, perhaps,” Zeija remarked, recalling how missing a single bus could necessitate a 60-kilometer walk. He also highlighted the scarcity of educational resources, noting his class shared a single Economics textbook. His success, he attributed to sheer hard work, determination, and sacrifice, urging the current generation to leverage the abundant resources available to them.

Beyond academics, the Chief Justice stressed the critical link between school conduct and future opportunities. He revealed that his own past behavior as a student was scrutinized during the vetting process for his High Court appointment. “Now, assuming the headmaster had said that fellow was a thug when he was here, I would never have become a Judge,” he stated, underscoring the importance of maintaining good discipline and being mindful of one’s actions.

Justice Zeija also advised against arrogance, encouraging students to remain humble. He expressed gratitude to the school administration and alumni for their continued support, particularly for fundraising efforts for the school’s dining and multipurpose hall, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the institutions that shape future leaders.

Source: Nile Post