Student leaders have been urged to embrace the right ideologies of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Democracy, and Socio-economic Transformation and working towards nation building.
The call was Saturday July 1, 2023 made by Lieutenant Colonel Emmy Katabazi, the Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Organization (ISO).
He was offering a lecture of opportunity to Students Leaders who were attending the Kampala Capital City Mid-term Students Leaders’ Conference organized by Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) at Nabisunsa Girls School under the theme “Responsible Leadership in Diversity, Unity, and Inclusion.”
Katabazi cautioned the students against engaging in un-developmental issues.
He said the young generation should instead spend their time on activities of development because they are the current leaders.
“What took me to the Mighty UPDF was to ensure that we fight for Africa and its resources. Don’t put personal feelings in leadership but focus on building the country,” Lt. Col. Katabazi said.
The Deputy Director General called upon the Students Association to wake up and avoid cheap fights and politics that they don’t understand.
“Can the Students Association wake up and stop small fights that can lead you to politics that you don’t understand,” he noted.
He urged students to elect responsible leaders and cautioned them against getting involved in demonstrations and strikes.
“An intellectual shouldn’t support or get involved in strikes and demonstrations, but air out issues affecting you in a more organized way,” Lt. Col. Katabazi said.
He cautioned student leaders against discrimination but appreciate humanity.
“It’s not important to know the colors and cultures of people but appreciate that we are all humans and appreciate humanity,” Deputy Director General stressed.
Lt. Col. Katabazi who started his journey as General Secretary of UNSA in 1988 warned students against LBTQ+ saying that it is against humanity and that using drugs shall destroy their future.
“I started as General Secretary of UNSA in 1988 and now I am serving a bigger position in the country because I never allowed drugs and such behaviors as homosexuality to destroy me,” he remarked.
As about security and stability of the country, the Lt. Col assured the students and the country at large that Uganda’s joint security task force, which includes all the intelligence agencies, is on top of the task to maintain peace, security, and stability regardless of several attempts that had been averted.
“These ADF terrorists who recently attacked and killed our children in Kasese are being dealt with and must pay immensely,” he said.
He advised the students to remain committed to learning, adding that they will be the pillars of national leadership in the future.
