Kumi District | Uganda – The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Lt Gen Sam Okiding, yesterday presided over the pass-out ceremony of 973 patriots drawn from Kumi University, SOGAVI Institute of Technology, and Kumi School of Nursing.
The colourful event, held at Kumi University on October 13, 2025, marked a major milestone in the patriotism training initiative spearheaded by the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC) in collaboration with local leadership and security officials.
The ceremony was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including Hon. Okasayi Sidronious Peter, Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development; the District Chairperson and area local leaders; the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and other technical staff; the Vice Chancellor of Kumi University, along with university staff; directors of Kumi School of Nursing and SOGAVI Institute of Technology; and thousands of community members from across Kumi District. Also in attendance were members of the District Security Committee (DSC), led by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC).
The RDC introduced members of the DSC and invited Deputy RDC Mr. Kyomya James to deliver remarks on behalf of the district security leadership.
Mr. Kyomya James, who has been instrumental in coordinating the patriotism training in Kumi, welcomed the Chief Guest, Lt Gen Okiding, and congratulated the 973 patriots on successfully completing their one-week training.
He expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor of Kumi University for hosting the training for the first time in the university’s history and commended the directors of the participating institutions for embracing the core values of the NRM government.
During the training, Mr. Kyomya also participated as a national facilitator, delivering a lecture on the NRM ideology.
He urged the graduates to become ambassadors of positive information, spreading awareness about the achievements of the NRM government under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“Go out there and serve as exemplary leaders in your communities,” he said.
Mr. Kyomya extended special thanks to Commissioner Hellen Seku, Secretary to the President, for her continued guidance and support in promoting patriotism training across the country.
He recommended that Patriot Nakirya Marklyn, who exhibited exceptional leadership as parade commander, be considered for recruitment into the national team of instructors.
Mr. Kyomya also appealed to Lt Gen Okiding to consider recruiting willing commissioned patriots into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), noting their passion and commitment.
In response, Lt Gen Sam Okiding commended the participants for their dedication and promised that willing patriots from Kumi University will be given an opportunity to join the mighty UPDF.
Deputy RDC Kyomya James rallied the patriots and the public to mobilise support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the upcoming 2026 general elections, to consolidate the gains achieved under his leadership.
