By Patriot Corps
In a gathering at Teso College Aloet, government officials, students from all the corners of Teso, educators, and stakeholders united to discuss developmental initiatives aimed at uplifting the youth and improving education in the Teso region. The summit featured speeches that underscored the government’s commitment to health, education, and social development.
The Chairperson of the Uganda AIDS Commission initiated the proceedings, expressing gratitude to the First Lady, Janet Kataaha Museveni, and Vice President Jessica Alupo for their ongoing support of students and learners. She emphasized the government’s mission to end AIDS by 2030, affirming that this goal is realistic and achievable. She acknowledged the leadership of the First Lady in championing health issues and reassured the audience that the Uganda AIDS Commission is working tirelessly to realize this vision.
Next, the Head Teachers’ representative from the Teso schools took the stage, outlining key requests to the government. The schools are advocating for more ICT equipment to enhance digital learning, as well as the establishment of a sports hub to foster co-curricular activities. The representative commended the government’s investments in education but urged for continued support to enrich both academic and extracurricular opportunities for students in the region.
Hon. Ongalo Obote, the Minister of Teso Affairs, followed with praise for the First Lady’s dedication to uplifting the underprivileged. He highlighted the success of the technical school in Kaberamido, which now accommodates over 1,500 learners, as a testament to her efforts. Ongalo also recognized the excellent presentations by the students of St. Mary’s Girls and thanked the First Lady for her tireless work in empowering the region’s youth.
Soroti Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Eseru Paul then delivered his remarks, welcoming the First Lady to Teso. He shared a personal story from 1996, when President Museveni predicted his rise to prominence—a prophecy fulfilled by his current role as RDC. Eseru pledged his commitment to supporting the young people of Soroti, offering his guidance and mentorship. He assured the learners that he would remain a constant source of support for their educational and personal growth.
Following these speeches, Vice President Jessica Alupo took the podium to express her appreciation to the First Lady for officiating the event and for her continued dedication to the people of Teso. Alupo emphasized the importance of education in combating poverty, urging stakeholders to be role models for the younger generation. She called on the youth to resist negative media influences, particularly issues such as homosexuality and early marriage. She also praised the girls who had taken vows to remain virgins until marriage and encouraged boys to be given similar opportunities to make such pledges based on their values. Alupo reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting development programs and encouraged the locals to embrace these initiatives to improve their livelihoods.
At this point, Vice President Alupo invited the guest of honor, First Lady Janet Museveni, to address the gathering.
The First Lady expressed her long-held desire to visit Teso College Aloet and praised the summit as an important step toward the school’s growth and the empowerment of the youth. Reflecting on the summit’s theme, “My Life, My Values,” she urged the attendees to honor their bodies as temples of God and emphasized values like hard work, integrity, and purity. The First Lady called on the young people to listen to their parents and teachers, reminding them that the knowledge they had gained during the summit would be crucial for their future success. She also encouraged the gathering to uphold their faith and serve the Lord in all aspects of their lives.
The event concluded with a collective commitment from all the leaders and stakeholders toa continue supporting the youth and fostering the development of the Teso region.