Col. Nakalema Hails Victoria University Culture Of Inquiry, Calls For Values-Driven Leadership

By Gad Masereka

Col Edith Nakalema on Monday urged students at Victoria University Kampala to view their academic journey as a foundation for ethical leadership, saying Uganda’s future will depend on young people who are willing to think critically and act responsibly in both public and private life. Her interaction with students came during a lively dialogue on patriotism and national values, where she invited the learners to reflect on the role of character, discipline and personal conviction in shaping the country they hope to inherit.

She described the engagement as refreshing, noting that the students demonstrated confidence and a readiness to explore difficult questions about citizenship and national growth. According to her, such openness shows that universities remain important nurseries for leaders who can approach national challenges with clarity and integrity. She told the students that patriotism should not be reduced to slogans or emotional displays, but must instead be reflected in the choices they make every day, whether in classrooms, workplaces or communities.

Nakalema said Uganda needs young people who can balance ambition with accountability and who understand that progress begins with individual responsibility. She encouraged them to treat academic work as more than a pathway to employment, arguing that it is also an opportunity to develop habits that build trust, stability and fairness in society. She added that every task done well sets a standard that strengthens the country’s social fabric and inspires confidence in its institutions.

During the session, she acknowledged the role of the university’s leadership in creating an environment that supports independent thought and constructive debate. She commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof Lawrence Muganga, and his administration for promoting a culture where students are encouraged to question assumptions and embrace disciplined inquiry. She also appreciated the support of the teaching staff and the student leadership, saying the collaborative atmosphere she witnessed reflects a commitment to nurturing responsible citizens.

Her visit came at a time when conversations about patriotism and civic duty continue to grow across the country. Nakalema said that such discussions should begin early, especially in institutions of learning, where young people are exposed to ideas that shape their outlook on governance, community service and personal conduct. She noted that universities offer a unique space where values can be tested, refined and translated into action.

Students who attended the session said they found the conversation thought provoking and timely. Some shared that the discussion pushed them to reconsider how their daily decisions contribute to wider national goals, while others said they appreciated the chance to interact openly with a leader who has been at the forefront of promoting integrity in public affairs.

Nakalema closed the engagement by urging the learners to stay curious, remain accountable and commit to principles that uplift their communities. She reminded them that leadership does not begin with a title or position, but with the decision to live out values that promote unity and progress.