By Nathan Eyagu 

Soroti City – The contest for Youth Member of Parliament (MP) for Eastern Uganda is gaining momentum following the entry of Emmanuel Omaria, who officially declared his candidacy during a press conference held yesterday at Utopia Suites in Soroti City.

Omaria, a native of Angole Village, Wera Sub-county in Amuria District, expressed deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by young people across the region. With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Diplomacy, and currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy Analysis and Governance at Uganda Management Institute, Omaria presents himself as a candidate with both academic credentials and grassroots experience.

"I am very passionate about Eastern Uganda and its youth," Omaria told journalists. "Our region has great potential, and it is time we took charge of our future."

In his declaration, Omaria outlined a broad agenda focused on increasing access to skilling programs, expanding rehabilitation services for youth battling drug addiction, and fostering opportunities through education and talent development.

He emphasized the need to strengthen the existing Presidential Skilling Centres by boosting their capacity and ensuring a fair distribution across the sub-regions of Eastern Uganda.

"Youth unemployment is a serious issue. While I cannot promise jobs for everyone, I will fight to ensure more young people gain skills that can open up opportunities," he said.

Omaria also raised concern about the marginalization of youth struggling with addiction and vowed to champion the establishment of more rehabilitation centers to help transform lives.

"There is so much untapped talent among our youth. They deserve support, not stigma," he stressed.

On education, he pledged to work with schools to foster scholarships for talented youth in sports and other fields, arguing that opportunities must not be confined to academics alone.

Looking ahead, Omaria promised to be a reachable and relatable leader, committed to serving youth across all districts in Eastern Uganda.

"I want to be the leader a youth in Kalaki, Butaleja, Kapchorwa, or any other district can reach out to," he said, adding that "networking and unity among youth will be key to building a stronger, more competitive Eastern Uganda."

Under the campaign slogan "Our Future is Safer in Our Hands," Omaria called on young people to rally behind a leadership that understands their struggles and is ready to work with them to create lasting solutions.

The Youth MP race is expected to intensify in the coming months as more candidates declare interest. However, with his passionate message and clear vision, Omaria's entry has already injected new energy into the contest.