Nakalema takes patriotism, integrity gospel to SMACK

State House Investors' Protection Unit head Col. Edith Nakalema has engaged the students of St Mary's College Kisubi (SMACK) on the virtues of discipline, hard work and most importantly, integrity. 

Quoting the late Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba, Nakalema told the students that 'the only dignity of a man is the integrity of his work.' 

"Greatness lives in deep waters, not at the shore. Therefore, this session is your reminder that the journey into the deep waters requires discipline, resilience and unwavering commitment to integrity," Nakalema says.

Her discourse with SMACK students early this week, followed that of Victoria University on November 17, 2025.

Nakalema also noted that the sessions aimed at offering career guidance to learners in higher institutions of learning. Reflecting on her own experience in secondary school, the memories, experience and anxiety, Nakalema advised learners to do what is right at the right time.

"Excellence is not an act, but a culture. Leadership is not a title, but a daily discipline. Therefore, for whatever you wish to be, you should start working towards it today, not forgetting to keep discipline, being resilient and upholding determination. My parents used to tell us that the time to go to school is very limited to a few peaceful years," the state house official narrated. 

Col Edith Nakalema with some of the students and staff of St. Mary's College, Kisubi. (Credit: Julius Luwemba)

She also advised on withstanding the challenges in times of backsliding but assured that every recovery sharpens one's strength.

Peter Kijaji, the students' leader at SMACK, lauded the office of the state house investors' protection unit for putting forth an initiative that aims at instilling the formidable value of integrity among the learners. 

"It is through integrity that our education system will be built with resemblance to international standards. It is through integrity that mothers giving birth in hospital corridors will be no more. It is through integrity that the perverse vice of swindling our money as a nation, will be no more," Kijaji expressed.

Charity Barungi, the SMACK teacher charged with career guidance and counselling, described it as a great opportunity and humility for Col. Nakalema to fix time and guide young learners in their next path of life. On behalf of the school management, she pledged to continue instilling the true virtues of humanity among the learners in preparation for life after secondary school.

The interactive patriotism and career guidance involved questions and answers tailored towards building a strong personal character and Uganda as a country.

Col. Nakalema noted that such engagements will help provide a firm foundation for the future of Uganda.