Iteso Cultural Union Mobilizes Young People Ahead of Major Teso Youth Convention

By Peterson Hiirya.

The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has stepped up efforts to mobilize young people ahead of its highly anticipated Youth Convention, an event aimed at empowering the next generation and promoting their active role in the development of the Teso Sub-region.

Providing an update on the preparations, the ICU Minister for Information, Stephen Ojacor, said the cultural institution is committed to delivering a successful convention that will attract Iteso youth alongside members of the wider Ateker community from across the globe.

Ojacor explained that the convention is designed to go beyond ordinary discussions, serving as a platform where young people can exchange ideas, address challenges affecting their communities, and propose practical solutions that will contribute to the region’s long-term development.

“This convention provides an opportunity for youth from across the region to sit together, deliberate on key issues affecting them, and identify how they can contribute towards transforming Teso,” Ojacor said.
He noted that the future of the region depends largely on the energy, creativity, and commitment of its youthful population, urging them to take advantage of the convention by participating in large numbers.

“I encourage every young person to attend because this convention is an important opportunity for learning, networking, and contributing to the future of our region,” he added.
According to Ojacor, the gathering reflects the Iteso Cultural Union’s continued commitment to nurturing responsible and visionary young leaders who will preserve the region’s cultural heritage while championing economic growth and social development.

The convention comes at a time when many young people continue to grapple with challenges including unemployment, substance abuse, climate change, limited access to economic opportunities, and the gradual erosion of cultural values. ICU believes the forum will provide participants with an opportunity to openly discuss these issues and collectively develop sustainable solutions.

The ICU Minister for Youth Affairs, Hon. Alfred Oteger, described the convention as a significant step toward increasing youth involvement in cultural leadership and community development.

He announced that the event will take place on Saturday, 12 July 2026, at the Soroti Museum, where hundreds of young people from across the Teso Sub-region are expected to gather for discussions, mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and inspirational engagements.

“The youth agenda during this convention is central to our vision. We have invited young people from across the region to come together and actively participate,” Oteger said.
He added that the convention will encourage participants to exchange experiences, establish partnerships, and generate innovative ideas capable of improving livelihoods while strengthening unity among the Ateker people.

Oteger also confirmed that His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng will officiate as Chief Guest and deliver the keynote address. The cultural leader is expected to emphasize the importance of preserving Iteso cultural heritage while encouraging young people to embrace education, entrepreneurship, technology, leadership, and community service.
Several prominent speakers are also expected to address delegates on issues ranging from leadership and innovation to economic empowerment, education, and cultural identity.

The Iteso Cultural Union says the convention aligns with its broader vision of ensuring that young people become active contributors to decision-making and regional development rather than remaining passive beneficiaries.

Organizers believe bringing together youth from different districts, professions, and backgrounds will strengthen unity, expand professional networks, and inspire collective efforts to tackle the region’s socio-economic challenges.
Besides dialogue and mentorship, the convention will also encourage participants to appreciate their cultural identity while embracing opportunities that promote personal growth and economic prosperity.
As preparations reach the final phase, the Iteso Cultural Union has appealed to all youth across the Teso Sub-region and the wider Ateker community to attend the convention in large numbers and make their voices heard.

The institution maintains that meaningful and sustainable development can only be achieved when young people are fully involved in shaping the decisions and initiatives that determine their future.

With anticipation continuing to build, the upcoming Youth Convention is expected to provide a unified platform for charting the future of Iteso youth while strengthening their role as catalysts for progress and transformation across the region.