Victoria University Sets Stage For Nakalema’s Lecture On National Values, Youth Responsibility

By Gad Masereka

Victoria University is preparing for an afternoon of reflection and conversation as Col. Edith Nakalema arrives to deliver a public lecture that has already stirred notable interest among students and members of the wider community.

The university has positioned the event as a moment for young people to think deeply about their place in the country’s development, especially at a time when national debates on citizenship and values continue to gain urgency.

The lecture, which focuses on patriotism and responsible citizenship, comes when many young Ugandans are navigating a complex social landscape marked by economic pressures, shifting moral attitudes, and growing frustration with public leadership.

Within this context, the presence of Col. Nakalema brings a perspective shaped by years spent confronting corruption and monitoring investor related challenges at State House. Her experience gives weight to the conversation, particularly among students who are eager to understand how personal responsibility intersects with national progress.

Officials at the university say the aim is to create a space where learners can reflect on the qualities that define meaningful participation in society. A coordinator from the Co operative Education Office noted that the lecture is meant to encourage students to consider the values that underpin a stable and forward looking nation. She said the institution believes that university education should not only produce competent graduates but individuals who carry a clear sense of duty to their country.

Anticipation has been building throughout the week as posters circulated around campus and online platforms. By Monday afternoon the auditorium is expected to be filled with students who see the session as more than a routine academic event. Many say they welcome the chance to hear from a figure whose work often sparks public debate about integrity and national accountability.

One student pursuing a degree in public administration remarked that the discussion comes at the right time because young people often feel disconnected from the decisions shaping the country. He added that hearing from someone directly involved in state oversight may help them understand how citizenship extends beyond complaints on social media.

Col. Nakalema’s message is expected to touch on the relationship between personal conduct and national development. Her lectures in similar settings often stress that a country’s progress is shaped by the daily choices of its people, from respecting public resources to embracing community service. Observers say this approach resonates with young audiences who are searching for a sense of purpose amid a rapidly changing society.

Victoria University has in recent years invested heavily in forums that expose students to national leaders and policy influencers. Administrators argue that such engagements contribute to a learning environment where academic growth is tied to civic awareness. A senior lecturer explained that they want students to leave the university with a mindset that aligns knowledge with responsibility. He said their hope is to nurture a generation that asks critical questions but also contributes positively to their communities.

As preparations finalize and the campus readies itself for the two hour session, it is clear that the event has moved beyond a standard public lecture. It has become an opportunity for dialogue between young citizens and a public figure whose work continues to influence national conversations. Whether the afternoon delivers answers or simply opens new questions, the gathering reflects a growing desire among students to engage meaningfully with the issues shaping Uganda’s future.