By Nathan Eyagu

Soroti, a city located in eastern Uganda, serves as the main commercial and administrative center of the Teso sub-region. It was officially granted city status in July 2020 as part of Uganda's plan to decentralize urban management and development.

As is known to many, every new city faces various challenges, and Soroti's current issue is the rise of a notorious youth group called Owok-Wok—a local term meaning "the shakers." This group has instilled fear and caused significant pain among many residents.

The write-up below is a fictional skit meant to depict the brutal tactics of this gang. All character names and events are fictional.

Scene 1: Okello's Encounter

Location: Black Street

A dimly lit street, late at night. The sound of distant dogs barking and the occasional passing car can be heard. Okello is walking quickly, glancing nervously around.

Okello(muttering to himself): I shouldn’t have stayed out this late... I need to get home quickly.

He pulls his jacket tighter around himself and quickens his pace. Suddenly, three shadowy figures emerge from the darkness and block his path.

Owok-Wok Leader(grinning sinisterly): Where do you think you're going in such a hurry, my friend?

Okello(fearful but trying to stay calm): I don’t want any trouble. I’m just trying to get home.

Owok-Wok Member 1 (mockingly): Oh, no trouble at all. Just stand still for us.

Before Okello can react, the three men grab him and turn him upside down. They begin to shake him violently. Coins, a phone, and a few personal items fall from his pockets.

Okello (struggling and pleading): Please, stop! Take everything, just leave me alone!

The leader picks up the items, inspecting them. They look at each other and nod, satisfied.

Owok-Wok Leader (smirking): That’s all? You’re lucky tonight. Now, get lost before we change our minds.

They shove Okello away, and he stumbles, catching himself before running off into the night. The gang laughs as they watch him disappear.

Scene 2: Peter's Encounter

Location: No Government Street

A quiet street, early evening. The sun has set, but there’s still a faint glow on the horizon. Peter walks with his hands in his pockets, humming a tune.*

Peter (cheerfully): Almost home. A nice cup of tea and I’ll call it a day.

Suddenly, the same three men step out from behind a parked car, surrounding him. Peter freezes in place.

Owok-Wok Leader (menacingly): Evening, friend. What do you have for us tonight?

Peter (trying to keep calm): Look, I don’t have much on me. Please, just let me go.

Owok-Wok Member 2 (laughing): We’ll see about that.

They grab Peter and turn him upside down, shaking him roughly. His wallet, keys, and some change fall to the ground.

Peter (panicking): That’s everything! Please, I don’t have anything else!

The leader picks up the items, inspecting them closely. He seems pleased with what they’ve found.

Owok-Wok Leader (smirking): Not bad, not bad. Now, run along before we decide to take more.

They push Peter away, and he stumbles before breaking into a run, glancing back fearfully as he escapes. The gang watches him go, laughing.

Scene 3: Nathan's Encounter

Location: A Busier Street

Around 6 PM. The sky is darkening as Nathan walks home from work. He looks tired but content.*

Nathan (thinking aloud): Just a few more minutes, and I’ll be home. Maybe I’ll pick up some dinner on the way.

As he walks, the same three men approach him, blocking his path. Nathan stops, his heart pounding.

Owok-Wok Leader (grinning): Well, well, what do we have here?

Nathan (nervously): I don’t have much on me. Please, I just want to get home.

Owok-Wok Member 3 (mockingly): We’ll be the judge of that.

They grab Nathan and turn him upside down, shaking him violently. Nothing falls from his pockets. The gang members look disappointed.

Owok-Wok Leader (angrily): Nothing? You’re wasting our time!

Nathan (terrified): I’m sorry, I don’t have anything! Please, let me go!

The leader pulls out a razor blade, and the other members hold Nathan down. The leader carves Nathan's name into his back, causing him to scream in pain.

Owok-Wok Leader (coldly): Let this be a reminder. Next time, bring something worth our time.

They push Nathan to the ground, and he lies there, writhing in pain as they walk away, disappearing into the night. Nathan, struggling through the pain, slowly gets up and stumbles home.

End Scene

The skit ends with a message highlighting the dangers of such encounters and a plea for community vigilance and safety measures.