Col. Emmy Katabazi, the deputy Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) has called for discipline among student leaders to help transform their communities. He stressed that discipline is essential for personal and community development.
Col Katabazi emphasized three key principles: Prayer, Hard Work, and most importantly Discipline, an approach he referred to as the PHD method.
He made these remarks during a students leaders conference on October 26, 2024, at Mulore High School Academy in Rubanda District. The event, organized by the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA), was under the theme “The Role of Student Leaders Towards the Socio-Economic Transformation of Uganda.”
The conference attracted student leaders from over 17 schools in the Rubanda District and included UNSA executives and university representatives.
While speaking to the students, Col. Katabazi stressed the need to respect their parents and recognize the sacrifices they make to provide school fees for their education. He shared his personal journey, stating that discipline and dedication helped him advance in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
“In the UPDF, I held the same rank for a long time, but I was promoted quickly because of my discipline and dedicated hard work,” he said.
He challenged student leaders to take responsibility, reminding them that they should not rely solely on teachers to maintain order in the school.
“Why do your fellow students have to go to the headmaster when you are there? You must be fully dedicated,” he said, emphasizing the importance of leadership.
Col. Katabazi also encouraged students to give a hand in the fight against poverty in their communities, supporting government efforts in promoting social and economic transformation. He shared a historical example, recalling how President Museveni inspired local nomadic communities in the 1960s to adopt permanent housing and adopt modern farming practices to improve their lives.
He urged student leaders to focus on ideas rather than identity politics to create positive change in society which was one of the reasons UNSA was formed back in the 1980’s.
“Let’s not continue to rely on importing goods when we can produce them ourselves,” he said.
As a respected figure within UNSA, Col. Katabazi remains committed to inspiring young leaders through educational initiatives and motivational speeches throughout the country. His message to the students was clear: discipline and respect are fundamental to creating a better future.
