Patriots urged to uphold discipline, integrity and patriotism

19 August 2026, 7:31 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

Seventy-four students of Lagwai Seed Secondary School in Pader District have been urged to uphold discipline, integrity and patriotism after completing a one-week patriotism training programme.

The students, mainly Senior One learners, new entrants and active Patriots, completed the week-long training aimed at promoting discipline, hard work, unity and a sense of responsibility towards the country.

Speaking during the pass-out ceremony, Deputy Resident District Commissioner Augustine Omongin urged the students to apply the values gained from the training in their daily lives, saying they are the future leaders of Uganda.

Omongin challenged the students to avoid violence, corruption, tribalism and indiscipline, while encouraging them to respect their parents, teachers, elders and other members of the community.

He also urged the students to put God first in whatever they do, encouraging them to pray and read the Bible before starting their daily activities and before going to sleep.

Omongin cautioned the students against early sexual relationships, warning that teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, can disrupt their education and future plans.

He particularly encouraged the girls to remain focused on their studies and avoid being misled into relationships with men who may abandon them after causing unwanted pregnancies.

The Deputy RDC also called on the boys to avoid sexual relationships that could expose them to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, urging them to remain disciplined and focused on their education.

He further encouraged the students to work hard and develop an entrepreneurial mindset, including engaging in small agricultural activities such as growing vegetables to support themselves and gain practical skills.

The school head teacher, Paul Okot, said teachers have already observed a difference in the conduct of students who underwent the training compared to those who did not participate.

Okot said the programme exposed the learners to military-style drills, discipline, teamwork and following instructions, adding that the school has also recorded a reduction in disciplinary cases among learners.

He commended the instructors for completing the training within one week and urged the newly trained Patriots to maintain the discipline acquired and influence other learners positively when they return to school.

The Chairperson of the Lagwai Seed Secondary School Board of Governors, Alex Oyet Labeja, also commended the patriotism training, saying the learners demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm throughout the programme.

Labeja appealed to stakeholders to continue supporting the school with infrastructure and other facilities, saying improved learning conditions are necessary to prepare the learners to become productive citizens and contribute to the development of the country.

Omongin commended the school administration, instructors and organisers for conducting the training and urged the newly trained Patriots to use the discipline and skills acquired to serve their communities and contribute positively to Uganda.