By Nathan Eyagu 

Kapelebyong District – In a bold and inspiring move aimed at transforming youth livelihoods in Kapelebyong District, Emmanuel Omaria, aspirant for Youth Member of Parliament Eastern Uganda, has taken the lead in promoting cocoa growing as a sustainable income-generating venture for young people.

Speaking at a youth engagement meeting held at Oditel Inn Guest House today in Kapelebyong District, Omaria donated cocoa tree seedlings to the Kapelebyong Youth SACCO, encouraging young farmers to embrace the crop due to its high market value and potential to uplift communities from poverty.

"We need to think long-term. Cocoa has a great market, and when youth are supported with such opportunities, we can build a generation of financially stable and empowered individuals," Omaria said. “Let’s unite as young people of Teso and present a force that speaks for all of us. I am not a leader who divides, I am here to bring unity and development.”

In addition to the agricultural support, Omaria also donated office furniture to the Youth SACCO following concerns that the group lacked basic equipment necessary for administrative work. The gesture was warmly welcomed by the youth leadership and community members.

Samuel Oriokot, District Secretary for Publicity in Kapelebyong, commended Omaria's initiative and promised full support for his candidacy in the upcoming elections.

“We shall greatly support youth from Kapelebyong and vow to give up a block vote,” Oriokot said. “We believe when you are given the opportunity, you will do even more for us and secure a brighter future for our youth.”

Okiror Francis, the Kapelebyong District Youth Chairperson, expressed confidence in Omaria’s leadership, pledging that NRM youth in the area will rally behind him in the party primaries.

“He has great ideas that promise real change. We, the NRM youth, are ready to support a candidate who believes in practical solutions like skilling and agriculture,” said Okiror.

Omaria emphasized the need for youth empowerment through agricultural inputs, skills training, and collective effort. He encouraged young people, regardless of their educational background or career paths, to work together for a better future.

“Some of you may have degrees, some are farmers – but we must work together. Our future is safer in our hands,” he concluded.

The meeting marks a significant step toward youth mobilization in Kapelebyong, with Omaria’s message resonating strongly among attendees who now see cocoa farming not just as agriculture, but as a path to economic independence and community development.