LOCAL
By: AmolatarPostNews |Reporter
LIRA CITY, UGANDA|
Youth advocate and community mobilizer George Rember Okello has issued a powerful call for urgent investment in youth empowerment, warning that failure to address unemployment and social vulnerability among young people could undermine progress in northern Uganda.
Speaking during the widely followed Yitetwolo Talk-Back Program in Lira City, Okello delivered a compelling message centered on skills development, responsible leadership, and community participation as the foundation for sustainable transformation.
“The youth are not a burden-they are the engine of our future. If we fail to empower them, we risk reversing the gains we have made,” Okello said during the live broadcast.
Okello noted that while the Lango sub-region has made strides in post-conflict recovery, many young people remain trapped in cycles of poverty, unemployment, and limited opportunity.
He warned that rising cases of substance abuse and petty crime among youth are symptoms of deeper structural gaps, including lack of access to vocational training and economic support systems.
At the heart of his message was a strong endorsement of vocational skilling as a practical solution to youth unemployment. Okello pointed to ongoing initiatives equipping young people with hands-on skills such as carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, and small business management.
He emphasized that such programs not only create jobs but also restore hope and dignity among the youth.
“Give a young person a skill, and you give them a future. This is how we build self-reliance and reduce dependency,” he added.
In a pointed appeal to leaders, Okello cautioned against politicizing development programs, urging officials to prioritize service delivery and accountability.
He stressed that real progress depends on collaboration between government institutions, civil society organizations, and grassroots communities.
Okello also challenged parents, elders, and local leaders to take an active role in mentoring young people, highlighting the importance of discipline, guidance, and moral upbringing.
According to him, rebuilding communities requires more than policy-it demands collective responsibility.
As the discussion concluded, Okello called for a united front in addressing youth challenges, urging stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action.
“Transformation will not come through words alone. It requires commitment, action, and a shared vision for our people,” he said.
Okello’s remarks have reignited debate on youth unemployment and development in northern Uganda, with many listeners praising his practical approach and strong advocacy for grassroots empowerment.
As Uganda continues to navigate its development path, the spotlight now turns to whether leaders and stakeholders will heed the call-and act.