By Our Reporter 

Soroti – Religious and community leaders in the Teso-Karamoja sub-region have issued a powerful call to action, urging the youth to embrace responsibility, discipline, and hard work as key ingredients for personal growth and community development.

Leading the charge is Bishop Sam Eibu Okiro, overseer of the Baptist churches in the region, who appealed to young people to become role models of good character and steer away from destructive behaviors. Citing increasing cases of youth indiscipline, Bishop Eibu warned against what he termed “Owook-wok,” a local phrase that describes reckless and unproductive behavior among youth.

“The future of our communities lies in the hands of our young people,” Bishop Eibu said. “They must learn to obey God’s teachings, respect their parents, and live with purpose. Discipline and hard work will not only bring pride to their families but also guarantee them a life of dignity and opportunity.”

He further encouraged the youth to tap into the opportunities presented by the current rainy season to engage in agriculture, emphasizing that productive ventures such as farming can secure both food and income.

“You don’t need to wait for white-collar jobs. Begin with your land, your hands, and your ideas,” the bishop added. “There is dignity in farming, in business, and in any honest work that builds our society.”

Francis Orisa, Youth Chairperson for Soroti District, echoed the bishop’s sentiments but pointed to deeper structural issues contributing to youth challenges. He cited high unemployment, inadequate skills training, and limited support from policymakers as barriers to youth development.

“Many of our youth have qualifications but no jobs,” Orisa noted. “This frustration drives some into street crime, gambling, and harassment. We must respond by creating jobs, providing vocational skills, and offering resources such as seeds and tools to make youth economically active.”

He called on government and development partners to invest in youth-focused programs that promote economic empowerment and community transformation.

However, the narrative of youth as idle and wayward was challenged by some young people from Oculoi, who highlighted their efforts to survive and thrive despite limited opportunities. Michael Oriokot, a youth leader in the area, defended the resilience of his peers.

“Not all of us are lost,” he said. “Here in Oculoi, we have youth making chapati, quarrying, engaging in farming, and other hustles. We are not lazy—we just need support, training, and access to markets.”

As voices from religious, political, and grassroots levels unite, the message is clear: youth in North Eastern Uganda must rise to the challenge of leadership, work hard, and be the change they want to see. The region’s future depends not just on opportunities, but on the willingness of its young people to seize them with both hands.