A Day of Endurance: Patriotism Candidates Pass Out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV9p-_lL1iI

On Wednesday, 7 October 2026, S1 and S5 students finally passed out after successfully completing the Patriotism Programme.

The journey began in late April, when the two classes had to remain behind after other students had left for the Term I holidays. After a week of talks, classes and physical fitness sessions, the candidates went home, albeit without passing out.

The Guest of Honor inspects the Guards during the passing-out parade.

The passing-out ceremony had to wait until 7 October.

The ceremony was held at Gulu High School. Students from each school were divided into Guards. While some students gathered in the morning at Gulu High School to await the passing-out ceremony, others had to march from the offices of the Residence City Commissioner (RCC) in Gulu town to Gulu High School, a distance of about 5 km. Happily, all the students completed the march without incident.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojPv__BZkIE

The marchers make a triumphant entry into Gulu High School grounds

The passing-out ceremony began as soon as those who had marched arrived at the school grounds. The students were then called and organized according to their schools and Guards. The Guest of Honor, the RCC of Bar Dege-Layibi Division, inspected the Guards and appeared satisfied with what he saw.

Ocerians endure the rigors of the day, determined to see it through to the end.

Then followed the passing-out parade, which tested the students’ endurance, teamwork, agility and patriotic spirit.

Speeches and other activities followed, all intended to foster a spirit of patriotism among the learners.

OCJC staff who accompanied the students enjoy a much-needed respite.

Although the day was filled with activities, it seemed long; it tested the students’ endurance and perseverance. Apart from some glucose and water, the students marched and listened on empty stomachs. Their food, although only a few steps away, could not be eaten until 5 p.m. Before then, all they could do was stare at it and try to control their hunger.

Some could no longer endure the grueling schedule and eventually succumbed to exhaustion.

Perhaps the little hardship they endured throughout the day was meant to convey a lesson: a true patriotic spirit may at times demand significant personal sacrifice. To build a nation of which we can all be proud, much is demanded of each individual. If not me, then who? If not you, then who?

Uninvited guests made it to the ceremony, too. They stood at a distance, watching in bewilderment as though saying to themselves, “Eeeh!!! Lord, I have never seen anything like this before.”

And so, a day that began with the joy and anticipation of the much-awaited passing out was lived amid hunger, thirst, sweat, fatigue, endurance and perseverance.

At the end of it all, their perseverance was worth it. At last, after a long wait, the students closed the chapter with their heads held high.

Some carried flags in addition to their own weight, putting their readiness to serve the country to the test.

Providentially, just as the ceremony was drawing to a close, a heavy downpour swept across Gulu High School, scattering those who were unsheltered and sending everyone in search of cover.

OCJC staff seize a photo opportunity with members of the band.

Thus, a day largely characterized by sweat and fatigue ended with a mixture of rain and sweat, as well as excitement and exhaustion—a stark reminder that life is often lived amid coexisting opposites.

Ocerian graduates hold the OCJC and Ugandan flags.

Congratulations to the new graduates! The country looks up to you.