Lira, Uganda – In a high-level development dialogue held today at St. Lira Hotel, top youth leaders, tech innovators, and senior national figures gathered to forge a strategic path for youth empowerment and economic transformation in Northern Uganda.
The meeting was attended by Brian Yeko Ongora, NRM Youth League Chairperson hopeful; Sedrick Otolo, Team Lead at Kakebe Technologies; Hon. Sam Engola, Senior Presidential Advisor on Lango Affairs; and former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda.
The central theme was aligning youth potential with government programs in science, technology, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship to spur regional progress.
The dialogue emphasized immediate action, practical access to innovation funding, and youth-led solutions to unemployment.
Dr. Rugunda, delivering the keynote address, said that the youth in Lango possess great potential and only need to take initiative, start new ventures, build solutions, and effectively utilize available local resources.
He advised the young people to take advantage of government skilling programs, innovation grants, and entrepreneurship schemes, adding that success would depend on collaboration, discipline, and innovation.
Hon. Sam Engola emphasized that when youth embrace agribusiness and technology, they not only create employment opportunities but also build strong and sustainable local economies.
He explained that programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Youth Livelihood Fund were designed to help young entrepreneurs and cooperatives establish viable economic activities.
Brian Yeko Ongora shared his strategy to mobilize youth into governance and policy-making, focusing on areas such as skills development and equitable access to national resources.
He noted that empowering youth voices within government structures was key to addressing their practical challenges.
Sedrick Otolo presented Kakebe Technologies as an example of effective youth-led innovation.
The tech startup, based in Lira, is delivering digital tools that enhance market access for farmers, improve digital literacy, and create employment for local youth.
Hon. Engola commended the efforts of Kakebe Technologies and encouraged other youth to utilize government initiatives such as startup financing, innovation hubs, and business incubation centers.
He also referred to the success of Myek Women Farmers Cooperative Limited, which has grown due to improved funding and access to markets.
In closing, the leaders jointly stressed that the future of Northern Uganda lies in the hands of its youth.
They noted that young people must move beyond dependency and become active participants in shaping the region’s development through innovation, entrepreneurship, and commitment.
The dialogue was widely seen as a turning point, signalling a new era of youth-driven transformation across Lira and the broader northern region.