The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has intensified preparations for the upcoming Youth Convention, describing it as one of the most significant platforms for empowering young people and shaping the future of the Teso Sub-region.
 

Speaking during the latest update on the preparations, ICU Information Minister Stephen Ojacor said the institution is working tirelessly to ensure the convention becomes a memorable and impactful gathering that will bring together Iteso youth and members of the wider Ateker community from across the world.

According to Ojacor, the convention is more than just a meeting. It is a strategic platform where young people will discuss issues affecting their lives, explore opportunities for socio-economic transformation, and contribute ideas that will influence the development agenda of the region.

“The Youth Convention is a very important event. Youth in the region gather to bring all heads on one round table to discuss critical matters and their role in transforming the region,” Ojacor said.

He emphasized that the future of Teso largely depends on the ability of young people to organize themselves, embrace innovation, and actively participate in development initiatives.

“The youth convention is very important, and I implore all the youth to attend,” he added.

Ojacor noted that the convention demonstrates the Iteso Cultural Union’s commitment to nurturing responsible, informed, and visionary young leaders capable of preserving Iteso culture while driving economic and social progress.

The convention comes at a time when youth across Uganda continue to face challenges such as unemployment, limited access to productive resources, drug abuse, climate change, and declining cultural values. ICU believes the gathering will provide an opportunity for participants to openly discuss these challenges and develop practical solutions through dialogue and collaboration.

The ICU Youth Minister, Hon. Alfred Oteger, described the convention as a critical milestone in strengthening youth participation in cultural leadership and regional development.

According to Oteger, the convention will be held on Saturday, 12th July 2026, at the Soroti Museum, where hundreds of young people from across Teso are expected to converge for a day of discussions, networking, mentorship, and inspiration.
“The youth agenda in this convention is critical,” Oteger said.

“The event will take place on Saturday, 12th July 2026, at Soroti Museum as we have invited all youth across the region.”

He explained that the gathering will provide a platform for youth to share experiences, build partnerships, and generate innovative ideas that can improve livelihoods while strengthening unity among the Ateker people.

Oteger further revealed that the Chief Guest will be His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, who is expected to deliver a keynote address focusing on the role of young people in preserving cultural heritage while embracing education, technology, entrepreneurship, and community service.

The cultural leader will be joined by several distinguished keynote speakers who are expected to address a wide range of topics affecting youth, including leadership, economic empowerment, innovation, education, and cultural identity.

The Iteso Cultural Union says the convention reflects its broader vision of ensuring that young people are not only beneficiaries of development but active participants in shaping policies and initiatives that affect their future.

Organizers believe that by bringing together youth from different districts, backgrounds, and professions, the convention will strengthen unity, promote networking, and inspire collective action toward addressing regional challenges.

Beyond discussions, the event is also expected to encourage young people to appreciate their cultural identity while embracing modern opportunities that can improve their economic wellbeing.

As preparations enter the final stages, ICU has called upon all youth across the Teso Sub-region and the wider Ateker community to turn up in large numbers and actively participate in the convention.

The institution maintains that every young person’s voice matters and that meaningful development can only be achieved when youth are given an opportunity to contribute to decision-making.

With expectations running high, the Youth Convention is expected to become a defining platform for charting a common vision for the next generation of Iteso youth and reinforcing their role as key drivers of transformation in the region.