KAPCHORWA MUNICIPALITY —Over 150 young men and several political and district leaders from across the Sebei region gathered in Kapchorwa Municipality for a high-level youth symposium aimed at transforming youth livelihoods and addressing critical challenges facing the next generation.
The regional engagement drew participants from the three districts that make up the Sebei sub-region: Bukwo, Kween, and Kapchorwa.
A major focal point of the symposium was the rising concern over substance abuse among the youth. Leaders strongly urged the attendees to stay away from toxic habits, specifically highlighting bizarre new trends like smoking gray hair, alongside conventional drug abuse. Participants were warned that these substances directly hinder mental clarity, destroy futures, and have increasingly driven many young people into mental illness.
The central Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kapchorwa, Mr. Bayole Stanley, challenged the youth to shift their focus from being community liabilities to becoming valuable assets. Leaders emphasized that instead of spending valuable time on unproductive activities—such as abusing people on social media—the youth should channel their energy into monitoring community projects and enrolling in wealth-creation initiatives.
Young people were actively encouraged to participate in lucrative government programs designed to boost household incomes, including: The Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga
"We want to see the youths of today more of assets than liabilities in the communities, so that some of the bad statements directed towards the youth in our society can finally end." Mr. Bayole Stanley, RDC Kapchorwa
In a candid address, RDC Bayole Stanley advised the youth to completely avoid lifestyle traps such as excessive alcoholism and reckless sexual behavior ("womanizing"), which he warned directly expose them to HIV/AIDS.
The RDC offered practical, grounded advice on financial discipline and relationships, urging the young men to maintain single partners. He noted that managing multiple women is an expensive lifestyle that drains resources and ultimately traps young people in poverty.
Moving forward, the symposium concluded with a strong call to action. The youth were challenged to return to their respective districts as ambassadors of development. Leaders urged them to take up civic responsibilities, which include actively monitoring service delivery in their communities and reporting failing or substandard government projects to the responsible authorities.
By prioritizing productivity, financial discipline, and community vigilance, the leaders believe the youth of Sebei can effectively secure their livelihoods and transform the region.
By Herbert Brown
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