By Patricia Turyahebwa,
ENTEBBE
The Commandant of the Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Pan African Center of Excellence and Leadership – Kaweweta, Col. Justus Rukundo has urged student leaders to adopt effective patriotic methods of work and best practices in their endeavors.
He encouraged them to embody key values such as respect, humility, democracy, and thirsty for knowledge urging that such values will not only earn them respect from their peers but also meet the expectations of those they serve, fostering a positive and productive leadership environment.
“You see something wrong but you want to keep quite, why? Because you want to be known out of it, and you will never solve any problems or make any meaningful decisions as a leader,” said Rukundo.
Rukundo made the remarks while delivering a lecture to over 800 student leaders of Higher Institutions of learning who are undergoing a two-week Patriotism training program at Nkumba University.
He emphasized the importance of embracing patriotic leadership practices, stating that they will not only enhance trainees’ productivity but also inspire others to follow their lead.
Rukundo cautioned the student leaders to steer clear of destructive tendencies such as intrigue and the pursuit of cheap popularity.
He noted that these vices have been detrimental to relationships within guild councils, often leading to division and ineffectiveness.
“Just like it is the bible, when you do good you go to heaven,when you sin, you go to hell but even when you sin, there is a chance to repent. As leaders, I urge you to utilise this training and repent because it is not too late for you to get saved, if you have been subversive in one way or another,” he noted
He went ahead to advise the student leaders to shun opportunistic tendencies, emphasizing the importance of integrity, accountability, and selfless leadership.
“As a leader,you have to learn how to balance the boat, in case of any trips and trainings or meetings, rotate everybody on your committee so that other members know what goes around because you dont have to be the only person enjoying them but again, you are supposed to walk slowly and that is the only way you will reach far as a student leader,” Rukundo added.
He further stressed the importance of collaborative decision-making, encouraging the student leaders to utilize committees and baraza meetings as effective tools for driving inclusive and participatory decision-making processes.
“As a leader, you must change, become a better version of your self,but also learn how to conduct meetings,form committee, and they will help you to build consensus and in the long run,you will be able to fight intrigue, rumormongering and also work as a team, listen to the general views of your committee members and nothing will be against you,” Rukundo explained.
“Dont appoint your boy/ girls friends to control everything,” Rukundo cautioned
The training program which was organised by the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps ( NSPC) under the stewardship pf Commissioner Hellen Seku and State House Uganda, commenced on January 3, 2025, with the aim of equipping student leaders with the necessary leadership skills and knowledge to become informed and patriotic leaders of tomorrow.
The training emphasizes the importance of civic responsibility and encourages young leaders to actively participate in building a better future for Uganda.
President Museveni and First Lady and Minister of Education Janet Museveni will officially close the training on January 17.
