1,738 students from four Rukungiri institutions complete intensive patriotism training, with Immaculate Heart Girls’ School hosting the week-long programme and joint pass-out ceremony.
Immaculate Heart Girls’ School, Nyakibale, continues to distinguish itself as an institution that wholeheartedly embraces holistic education, recognising that the formation of a lady of substance transcends academic achievement. Perched majestically on the emerald hills of Nyakibale in Rukungiri District,
the school remains steadfast in its mission to nurture intellectually accomplished, morally upright, socially responsible and patriotic young women.
Anchored in the enduring values of faith, discipline, service and national consciousness, the school’s educational philosophy recognises that true education must illuminate the mind, ennoble the heart and empower the individual to contribute meaningfully to society. Its commitment to the love of God and country remains an integral part of the formation of its learners.
In yet another remarkable demonstration of this commitment, Immaculate Heart Girls’ School hosted a week-long government patriotism training programme that culminated in the passing out of 1,738 student patriots from four educational institutions in Rukungiri District on Saturday, 3rd October 2026.
The participating institutions were Immaculate Heart Girls’ School, Nyakibale; Kinyasano Girls’ High School; Makobore High School; and Karoli Lwanga Institute of Health Sciences.
Of the 1,738 students who successfully completed the training, 962 were from Immaculate Heart Girls’ School, 280 from Kinyasano Girls’ High School, 227 from Makobore High School and 269 from Karoli Lwanga Institute of Health Sciences. The trainees were predominantly Senior One and Senior Five students, alongside first-year students from Karoli Lwanga Institute of Health Sciences.
A WEEK OF KNOWLEDGE, DISCIPLINE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS
The training, organised by the State House National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), was facilitated by seasoned Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) instructors, State House officials, professional lecturers and other distinguished resource persons.
Mr Vital Bashasha, the Rukungiri District Coordinator for Patriotism, played an instrumental role in coordinating and organising the programme. His dedication, alongside the support of the school administration and other stakeholders, contributed immensely to its successful execution.
The programme commenced with intensive lectures, with Madam Belinda from State House among the facilitators. The students were introduced to various dimensions of patriotism, national identity, citizenship, leadership and personal development.
The intellectual engagements were complemented by structured physical exercises and military-style drills. At approximately 3:00 p.m., following the day’s lectures, the students would descend to the playground for physical workouts. These sessions were designed to cultivate physical fitness, endurance, resilience, teamwork and self-discipline.
The training further embraced audio-visual learning as an important instructional approach. Between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., students attended projected video sessions featuring previous patriotism pass-out ceremonies and military training activities. These presentations offered practical insights into military discipline, leadership, teamwork and the demands of organised training.
Meanwhile, students from Karoli Lwanga Institute of Health Sciences participated in their respective training sessions, with some activities extending until 5:30 p.m.
EXPOSURE TO NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP
One of the programme’s most enriching aspects was the diversity of resource persons who engaged the learners on issues central to personal growth, responsible citizenship and national transformation.
The students benefited from insightful presentations on financial discipline, national identity, Uganda’s history, patriotism, health, education, military ranks, leadership, integrity and other pertinent aspects of responsible citizenship.
Among the facilitators and officials who participated were Brigadier General Justus Rukundo, Captain Richard Owaruhanga, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Training at the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps, and Mr Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ongom, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Rukungiri.
The Deputy RDC challenged the learners to appreciate that patriotism transcends mere verbal expressions of affection for one’s country. It demands an intimate understanding of Uganda, respect for national institutions, adherence to the rule of law, rejection of corruption and a willingness to contribute to the common good.
The engagement also afforded the learners a rare opportunity to interact with senior military officers and other national leaders, broadening their understanding of leadership structures, national security and the responsibilities that accompany citizenship.
A CULTURAL EVENING TO REMEMBER
As the training approached its climax, Friday evening ushered in a memorable blend of celebration, cultural appreciation and institutional camaraderie.
A spectacular campfire night was organised, providing the students with an opportunity to unwind, celebrate their shared experiences and appreciate the friendships forged throughout the intensive training. The occasion was crowned by a special meat feast, following the roasting of a bull for the students.
The girls subsequently immersed themselves in Uganda’s rich cultural heritage through captivating traditional dance performances. The different cultural presentations celebrated the country’s diversity while reinforcing the importance of cultural identity, heritage and peaceful coexistence.
The performances were interspersed with brief speeches, reflections and moments of appreciation. The celebrations continued until approximately 11:00 p.m., bringing the intensive training programme to a memorable and colourful close ahead of the much-anticipated passing-out ceremony.
Beyond the merriment, the evening provided a valuable platform for unity, cultural expression and the appreciation of shared national identity.
1,738 STUDENTS PASS OUT IN A HISTORIC JOINT CEREMONY
Saturday, 3rd October 2026, marked the culmination of the week-long programme as 1,738 student patriots officially passed out in a colourful joint ceremony held at Immaculate Heart Girls’ School playground.
The historic occasion brought together students and school administrators from the four participating institutions, alongside government officials, security personnel and other distinguished guests.
The Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps, Ms Hellen Seku, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
The ceremony was attended by the heads of the participating institutions, including Sr Sabina Tumusiime, Headteacher of Immaculate Heart Girls’ School; Mr Gard Arinaitwe Gakibayo, Headteacher of Makobore High School; and Ms Allen Kiyasiimire, Headteacher of Kinyasano Girls’ High School. Karoli Lwanga Institute of Health Sciences was represented by its Deputy Principal, Ms Monic Kobusingye.
Other distinguished guests included Mr Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ongom, Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Rukungiri; the District Internal Security Officer (DISO); the District Police Commander (DPC); and other government and security officials.
The passing-out parade was commanded entirely by the student patriots, providing an impressive demonstration of the discipline, precision, coordination, confidence and leadership competencies cultivated during the training.
COMMISSIONER SEK U URGES YOUNG PEOPLE TO EMBRACE PATRIOTISM AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION
Addressing the gathering, Ms Hellen Seku challenged the young people to embrace patriotism, hard work and uncompromising discipline as indispensable pillars of personal achievement and national development.
She underscored the urgent need for behavioural transformation among learners, urging them to become responsible citizens who understand their obligations to their communities and country.
The Commissioner further challenged the students to harness the transformative potential of digital technology by developing homegrown solutions to Uganda’s unique challenges rather than remaining passive consumers of foreign innovations.
She observed that Uganda’s economic prospects would largely depend on the younger generation’s ability to embrace emerging technologies creatively, generate employment opportunities, address societal challenges and bridge the digital divide.
She also encouraged the learners to remain steadfast in their academic pursuits, shun destructive tendencies and make responsible choices that safeguard their future and contribute to the nation’s progress.
Commissioner Hellen Seku addressing the student patriots.
DISCIPLINE IS THE FOUNDATION OF RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Rukungiri, Mr Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ongom, described patriotism as an enduring love for Uganda, accompanied by a sound understanding of the country’s identity, institutions, aspirations and responsibilities.
He urged the newly passed-out student patriots to translate the knowledge and values acquired during the training into tangible actions in their daily lives. Particular emphasis was placed on discipline, academic commitment, high moral standards and exemplary conduct.
He reminded the learners that academic qualifications, however impressive, must be complemented by integrity, responsibility and an unwavering commitment to serving society.
IMMACULATE HEART APPRECIATES GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PATRIOTISM EDUCATION
The host Headteacher, Sr Sabina Tumusiime, expressed profound gratitude to the Government of Uganda, the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps, the UPDF instructors and all officials whose contribution ensured the success of the programme.
She particularly appreciated the participating institutions for embracing the initiative and providing their learners with an opportunity to benefit from this invaluable national programme.
Sr Sabina reaffirmed the importance of patriotism education in shaping responsible, enlightened and development-conscious citizens who appreciate their obligations to society.
She observed that such initiatives complement formal classroom instruction by equipping learners with practical competencies, values and perspectives essential for navigating life beyond the school environment.
SCHOOL LEADERS CALL FOR CONTINUOUS PATRIOTISM TRAINING
The Headteacher of Makobore High School, Mr Gard Arinaitwe Gakibayo, enriched the occasion with a personal reflection on the enduring value of patriotism training. He recalled participating in a similar programme at Kyankwanzi in 1993 after completing Senior Six.
He observed that the values and lessons acquired during the two-month training had continued to shape his outlook on life, even several decades later.
His testimony offered compelling evidence of the enduring influence that structured patriotism, leadership and ideological orientation programmes can have on individuals and their contribution to society.
Similarly, the Deputy Principal of Karoli Lwanga Institute of Health Sciences, Ms Monic Kobusingye, emphasised the importance of integrity, particularly among future health professionals, and called for the continued implementation of such programmes to nurture ethical conduct and responsibility among learners.
The Headteacher of Kinyasano Girls’ High School, Ms Allen Kiyasiimire, also joined the other school leaders in appreciating the initiative and its contribution to the formation of responsible citizens.
STUDENT PATRIOTS REFLECT ON THEIR TRANSFORMATION
The training was not merely an exercise in physical fitness, parade drills and ceremonial precision. It provided the students with an invaluable opportunity to interrogate their responsibilities, appreciate their national identity and cultivate a deeper sense of belonging.
Presenting a joint memorandum on behalf of the trainees, Ms Mercy Okuyangabire, Speaker of the Students’ Council at Immaculate Heart Girls’ School, appreciated the organisers for bringing learners from different institutions together under one transformative programme.
She particularly highlighted the practical use of Kiswahili during drills and parade commands, noting that the experience enabled students to appreciate and practise the language beyond the conventional classroom setting.
The students also acknowledged the immense value of the ideological lectures, mentorship sessions and practical activities, which enhanced their confidence, teamwork, integrity and sense of responsibility.
The training, therefore, represented an important milestone in their personal formation, equipping them with values and competencies that extend far beyond the school gates.
A CELEBRATION OF PARTNERSHIP AND HOLISTIC EDUCATION
The successful completion of the programme was a fitting testament to the transformative power of collaboration between educational institutions and government agencies.
For Immaculate Heart Girls’ School, hosting such a significant national programme was yet another opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to producing more than academically accomplished learners. The school recognises that the true measure of education lies not merely in examination grades but also in the character, values, competencies and contributions of its graduates.
Through initiatives such as patriotism training, clubs and movements, sports, cultural engagements, religious formation and community service, Immaculate continues to nurture young women who are intellectually empowered, morally grounded and socially responsive.
The programme equally reinforced the importance of institutional partnerships in shaping a generation that understands its history, cherishes its identity, respects its cultural heritage and is adequately prepared to participate in Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation.
Indeed, the passing out of 962 Immaculate Heart girls alongside their counterparts from the three other institutions was more than a ceremonial accomplishment. It was a celebration of discipline, unity, national consciousness and the shared responsibility of building a prosperous Uganda.
As the newly passed-out patriots return to their respective institutions and communities, the expectation is that they will become ambassadors of the values they have acquired, exemplifying responsible citizenship through their conduct, choices and service to humanity.
Excelsior! For God and My Country.