Two parliamentary aspirants for Soroti City have pledged to champion youth empowerment and poverty eradication as they graced the launch of the Atagoro Youth Development Association held at Kengere Ward in Soroti City East.
Soroti City East MP aspirant and NRM flag bearer Isaac Orego, alongside independent woman MP aspirant Juliet Agonyo and current speaker to Soroti city council, encouraged the youth to embrace savings, hard work, and productive ventures rather than engaging in drug abuse and idleness.
Speaking at the event, Orego commended the initiative, describing it as a “visionary move” towards creating self-reliant youth in Soroti.
He emphasized teamwork and consistency as key pillars for the group’s success.
“We have started small, but let us push this initiative to grow by working together. Nothing begins big everything starts with a drop and later develops through effort and unity,” Orego said.
He further promised to continue supporting the association’s programs aimed at empowering young people through savings, small businesses such as poultry, and income-generating projects. To show his commitment, Orego donated UGX 100,000 to boost the group’s savings initiative.
Agonyo, on her part, hailed the formation of Atagoro Youth Development Association as a step in the right direction toward transforming the lives of young people in Kengere.
“Development begins small. What you are doing is very important, and it requires commitment, sacrifice, and time. When people come together and work with unity, great things are achieved,” she said.
She pledged to walk alongside the youth in promoting financial empowerment and community development.
Agonyo also delivered UGX 100,000 in support of the association’s activities, urging members to remain focused and resilient.
Declaring her readiness to serve, Agonyo called upon residents to elect leaders who value progress over empty promises.
“Let us choose wisely. Do not be deceived by those who bring gossip. Elect those who will truly empower and uplift our lives,” she said.
The association’s chairperson, Oyaba Saviour, explained that Atagoro, meaning “roots that stand firm,” symbolizes the group’s mission to nurture youth development and financial growth.
“We started small, but many youths and even single mothers have joined. Every member contributes UGX 5,000 to fully participate. Our dream is to see every youth become self-reliant and financially stable,” he said.
The group currently boasts 50 active members, each committed to saving, investing, and supporting one another in entrepreneurship and personal development.
Ariau Jimmy, the association’s secretary, expressed appreciation for the leaders’ support, noting that the group’s vision is to empower youth to start small businesses and escape unemployment.
Another member, Odeke Joel (Lomig X5), urged well-wishers to support youth initiatives instead of labeling them as troublemakers.
“We also have dreams and missions. All we need is support and guidance to build a better future,” he said.
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