By Emmanuel Okol
Youth aspirant for the Eastern Uganda Youth Parliamentary seat, Hon. Emmanuel Ebele Apwatum, has called upon the youth across Teso and Eastern Uganda to embrace unity and vote for visionary, development-oriented leaders in the upcoming National Youth Parliamentary elections scheduled for August 23, 2025.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with Soroti City youth delegates at Strikers Hotel on Sunday, July 20, 2025, Hon. Apwatum emphasized that the choice of leaders in this election cycle will determine the pace and nature of youth development across the region.
“We must reject self-serving politics. We must elect leaders who are driven by ideas, integrity, and a real vision for youth transformation,” Apwatum told the enthusiastic gathering.
“I am ready to go and liberate the oppressed youth, and I will prioritize lobbying for industrial hubs, skilling centres, and job creation programs once elected.”
The meeting was attended by a cross-section of youth leaders and delegates from Soroti City East and West divisions, who expressed overwhelming support for Apwatum’s bid and his forward-looking message.
Samuel Ome, Chairperson of the NRM Youth League in Soroti City West, lauded Hon. Apwatum for offering himself as a servant leader during a time when the region needs youth champions.
“Apwatum is the kind of leader we have been waiting for, young, focused, and community-driven,” Ome said. “Let us support leaders who care about youth empowerment and who understand our needs.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Mercy Apimo, a youth delegate from Soroti City East, declared her unwavering support for Apwatum, citing his grassroots appeal and his bold agenda to address youth unemployment and economic exclusion.
Calvin Moses Emwodu, youth chairman for Soroti City East, commended Apwatum’s focus on business support and mindset transformation.
“We need leaders who are not self-centered. We need someone like Ebele who speaks the language of the youth, who understands what it means to be jobless, and who is ready to fix it,” Emwodu stressed.
Zainab Nancha, the NRM flag bearer for Eastern Division and a youth delegate, urged fellow delegates to rally behind Apwatum, highlighting his dynamic and transformative manifesto.
“His vision speaks directly to our needs. From vocational skills development to access to startup capital, Apwatum is the candidate who offers real solutions, not just empty promises,” Nancha said.
Meanwhile, Gideon Egipu, Chairperson of Soroti City West, made a passionate plea to the youth of the Teso sub-region to wake up and elect leaders who will not waste another five years.
“We’ve had enough of self-centered representation. We need leaders who understand what it means to serve. Apwatum represents that hope and change,” Egipu said.
Apwatum also responded to questions raised by delegates, emphasizing the need for political maturity among the youth.
He cautioned against politics of division, vote buying, and tribalism, urging young voters to focus on unity and purpose-driven leadership.
“Let us stop selling our future for handouts. What we need is mindset change, unity, and commitment to long-term development. That’s what I stand for,” Apwatum stated.
He also reiterated his commitment to working with both government and private partners to ensure that Eastern Uganda benefits from national youth programs and economic recovery strategies.
“The youth of this region must be part of Uganda’s industrial revolution. We will not be left behind,” he added.
About Author
