The Commander of 16 Service Brigade under the Special Forces Command (SFC), Lt Col Frank Murema, has urged students to acquire practical skills, embrace production and develop a strong work ethic if they are to contribute meaningfully to Uganda's development.
Murema said Uganda's future economic strength will depend largely on young people who can turn knowledge into production, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing students of St Mary's College Kisubi during a lecture on national power, where he highlighted education, economic strength, security, diplomacy and information as key elements of a strong nation.
"The future is in production. You must acquire knowledge and skills that enable you to create, produce and contribute to national development," Murema told the students.
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He encouraged learners to take advantage of the Competence-Based Curriculum, saying it should equip them with practical skills, knowledge and values needed to respond to the country's development challenges.
Murema drew comparisons between Uganda's development journey and China's experience, stressing the role of education and skilled human capital in transforming economies.
He also challenged the students to look beyond Uganda and view East Africa and the wider African continent as a shared market where they can create businesses, innovate and participate in production.
The SFC commander further called on the students to embrace discipline and personal responsibility, saying government efforts to promote national development must be complemented by individual commitment and a strong work ethic.
He also urged them to uphold patriotism, unity and good moral character while rejecting hatred and destructive influences.
"Patriotism means loving, protecting and contributing to your country regardless of the circumstances," Murema said.
He said patriotism should translate into practical contribution to the country rather than merely being an expression of national pride.
Murema also highlighted Uganda's contribution to Pan-Africanism and its longstanding role in hosting refugees, describing these as part of the country's broader commitment to regional solidarity and integration.
The students participated in an interactive session following the lecture, where they discussed issues around patriotism, discipline, productivity and their responsibility in shaping Uganda's future.
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