Hon. Obua Presides Over Graduation of 1,400 Patriotism Trainees, Urges Youth to Champion Unity and Grassroots Transformation

LIRA CITY, UGANDA – A total of 1,400 students on Saturday graduated from a patriotism training programme at Lira Technical College in Lira City, in a ceremony presided over by the Government Chief Whip and NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua.

The colourful passing-out ceremony, held on 7 March 2026, drew local leaders, trainers, parents, and members of the community who gathered to witness the culmination of weeks of civic and ideological instruction aimed at nurturing responsible, informed, and nationally conscious citizens.

In his remarks as Chief Guest, Hon. Obua commended the patriotism programme leadership, particularly Ms. Seku Hellen, for their dedication to equipping young Ugandans with knowledge about the country’s history, governance systems, and the values underpinning national unity.

He described the initiative as a strategic investment in Uganda’s future, noting that shaping the mindset of young people is central to safeguarding peace and consolidating the gains achieved over the years.

Four Pillars for Nation Building

Addressing the graduates, Hon. Obua structured his message around four key pillars: patriotism, community development, ideology, and leadership.

On patriotism, he urged the students to place national interest above individual ambition, reminding them that true love for country is demonstrated through service, discipline, and active participation in community transformation.

He emphasized that patriotism goes beyond symbolism, calling on the graduates to become ambassadors of unity and cohesion in their respective communities.

Turning to community development, Hon. Obua challenged the youth to take initiative in improving livelihoods at the grassroots level. He underscored the importance of participating in local development programmes, promoting innovation, and supporting wealth-creation efforts as building blocks for national progress.

“Sustainable national transformation begins in our villages, parishes, and towns,” he noted, encouraging the graduates to translate the knowledge acquired into tangible action.

Ideology and Stability

On ideology, the Government Chief Whip stressed the need for young Ugandans to understand the guiding principles that have shaped the country’s political and socio-economic journey. He said a firm grasp of Uganda’s historical and ideological foundation enables citizens to protect the peace and stability the nation continues to enjoy.

Hon. Obua highlighted the leadership of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, noting that ideological clarity has played a central role in steering Uganda toward stability, reconstruction, and development.

He encouraged the graduates to remain vigilant in defending national unity and to resist divisive tendencies that undermine progress.

Leadership Beyond Titles

Speaking on leadership, Hon. Obua reminded the students that leadership is not confined to formal positions of authority but is reflected in character, service, and integrity.

He urged them to lead by example—through hard work, honesty, and a commitment to the common good—adding that communities thrive when young people take responsibility and inspire others to pursue collective goals.

“Be the change-makers in your communities,” he told the graduates, calling on them to uphold discipline and moral uprightness as they step into wider society.

A Milestone in Youth Empowerment

The passing-out ceremony marked another milestone in the ongoing patriotism training programmes designed to instill national values, civic responsibility, and ideological awareness among Uganda’s youth.

Participants underwent structured sessions focusing on Uganda’s history, governance framework, socio-economic transformation strategies, and the importance of unity in diversity. The programme seeks to nurture a generation equipped not only with technical skills but also with the mindset necessary to contribute meaningfully to peace, development, and wealth creation.

As the 1,400 graduates received their certificates, the atmosphere was marked by celebration and a renewed sense of purpose. Many expressed readiness to apply the lessons learned in their respective communities.

With leaders reiterating the importance of youth involvement in nation-building, the ceremony at Lira Technical College underscored the continued emphasis on ideological orientation as a cornerstone of Uganda’s long-term development agenda.