By Our Reporter

KAPELEBYONG/KATAKWI — Eastern Youth MP aspirant Herbert Eonu has pledged to transform the livelihoods of Uganda’s young people through a range of strategic, entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at self-sufficiency and sustainable development.

Eonu, who is actively traversing various districts in the Teso sub-region to rally support ahead of the August primaries, has rooted his campaign in a clear promise: to prioritize youth empowerment by supporting projects such as the provision of poultry incubation machines and advancing the implementation of the Four Acre Model promoted by President Museveni.

“My key point in the manifesto is to ensure that the young person is uplifted. We must move beyond using youth only during elections for mobilization,” Eonu told delegates during a recent campaign stop. “We need to lobby for incubation machines and table youth-supportive motions in Parliament to make sure they are not marginalised or sidelined in society.”

With Uganda’s youth making up an estimated 75% of the population, Eonu pointed out that unemployment remains a glaring challenge, particularly in districts like Kapelebyong and Katakwi. He noted that a majority of young people are idle, while only a few of the elite have secured formal employment.

To address this, Eonu underscored the importance of vocational training and skill development.

“My other priority is to ensure we utilize skilling hubs to train young people in hands-on skills that can help them earn a living. In my tenure as Eastern Youth MP, I want every young person to become a job creator rather than a job seeker,” he asserted.

Eonu also credited the ruling NRM government for laying a strong foundation for youth programs but emphasized the need for the younger generation to take the mantle and build upon that legacy.

After his engagements in Kapelebyong, Eonu proceeded to Katakwi district with a consistent message — urging young voters to choose leaders who understand their plight and are committed to delivering results.

Moving under the slogan “Son of a Peasant,” the Soroti City-born aspirant is rapidly gaining momentum in the race, shaking political ground ahead of the party primaries.

However, the contest is heating up across Teso sub-region, which holds significant sway in the upcoming National Delegates Conference due to its high youth voter population. The region has produced multiple aspirants, sparking widespread discussions. Some observers have suggested that all youth candidates be brought to a roundtable to harmonize their visions for collective youth development.

Eonu is currently facing stiff competition from other notable contenders, including Emmanuel Omaria, son of Minister Musa Ecweru from Amuria, and Noah Omuya, a former Vision Group news anchor, among others.

As the political atmosphere intensifies, it remains to be seen whose vision will resonate most with Uganda’s youth — a demographic widely seen as the engine of the nation’s future.