By our Reporter
The story of 22-year-old Isaac Opio, once known among Soroti’s notorious street gangs, has taken a surprising and inspiring turn after a life-changing encounter with Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Joan Alobo.
Born in Obalanga, Kapelebyong District, Opio’s early life was marked by tragedy.
In 2002, at the height of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency, he lost both parents, George Ogwal and Ijangat Rose, who were killed and buried in mass graves in Obalanga, a painful chapter that remains etched in the memory of the people of Teso.
Displaced by the conflict, Opio moved to Soroti, where he began a life of hardship under the care of his aging grandmother, along with his two younger sisters.
Life in the city did not offer much promise for the orphaned boy. With limited support and no source of livelihood, Opio drifted into the streets, eventually joining “Owok-wok” a feared gang in Soroti that has long terrorized night travelers with theft and violence. For years, he lived a life of survival, driven by desperation and hopelessness.
But one week ago, everything changed, during an outreach engagement with street children in Soroti City, MP Joan Alobo came across Opio’s story, moved by his past and determined to offer him a second chance, she took him under her wing, Instead of judgment, she offered compassion, counseling him and deciding to invest in his future.
On Wednesday, in a brief but emotional ceremony, Hon. Alobo handed over a brand-new boda boda bicycle to Opio, a gesture she said symbolizes hope and transformation.
“This is just the beginning,” Alobo said.
“Every young person deserves a second chance, especially those who have been failed by circumstances beyond their control. Opio can begin his new life by riding his bicycle and saving money for his future.”
The gift, though simple, marked a turning point for Opio.
“I thank God that I now have something to do,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “I will now ride this bicycle and collect money to feed myself, rather than stealing from people. I promise to change and make something of my life.”
The young man’s determination and gratitude echoed the very change Hon. Alobo hopes to inspire among many other vulnerable youths.
“I believe in redemption. I believe our young people can turn their lives around if only someone believes in them,” Alobo emphasized.
As Opio prepares to begin his new journey as a boda boda rider, his story stands as a testament to the power of empathy and leadership.
From a life of crime to the road of redemption, his journey may be the beginning of something greater not just for himself, but for other street children watching, waiting, and hoping for a similar chance.