By Patriot Corps
Serere District’s Secretary for Finance, Planning, Administration, and Investment, Opio Joseph Linos has urged the government to create a specialized version of the Parish Development Model (PDM) aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and businesses that employ young people in economically disadvantaged regions. He made this appeal during his appearance on the widely listened Teso Gang radio talk show on Voice of Teso, where he was joined by fellow panelists Benson Ekwee, David Asubu, and Susan Irau and moderated by Simon Ochen. The discussion focused on Teso’s agenda ahead of the 2026 general elections, with Opio capturing the attention of listeners with his insightful proposals.
“For me, top of the agenda is the security of persons and their property. Any political organization or party coming here to campaign must promise to provide people with security because that seems to be a big challenge right now, especially for the people of Katakwi and Kapelebyong, but also for other districts in Teso,” Opio emphasized. He stressed that security concerns remain one of the most pressing issues in the region, and any political agenda that fails to address this would likely fall short in gaining the people’s support.
Opio went further to propose a version of the PDM tailored to boost businesses. “I would implore any political party coming here to seek our support to grant Teso a sort of PDM that targets businesses specifically. Let’s give a group like Omamteker of Mulondo landing site 1 billion shillings to expand their enterprise. Let’s capitalize Kakise Bus Company to acquire more buses so they can compete with Gateway Bus Company and YY. Let’s give a man like Elomos more funding to plant more trees and help conserve the environment against climate change. The government should do this in every district of Teso, offering 1 billion shillings to ten entrepreneurs per district,” Opio proposed.
He believes that such a program, focused on entrepreneurs, would provide much-needed jobs for young people. “It will be a form of affirmative action that helps create more jobs for young people, who are becoming a challenge. Why should we criticize these young people when we can create jobs for them?” Opio questioned, urging the government to take meaningful steps to curb youth unemployment.
In a surprising yet bold claim, Opio also called on the government to assist the Iteso people in reclaiming money lent by the Teso District Administration to the British Crown in 1918 and 1954. He noted that with accumulated interest, the amount owed would now be substantial, providing the region with an important resource if recovered.
Opio’s suggestions have sparked a debate across Teso, with many lauding his vision for an enterprise-driven development model as a potential solution to the region’s employment and economic challenges.
