Charles Okello, the husband of MP Juliet Achayo Lodou, has called on men in the Teso region to focus on improving household income, fostering love in their families, and addressing the root causes of youth criminality.
He made these remarks while serving as the chief guest during the opening of the Soroti Catholic Diocese Men’s Conference held on Sunday.
The conference has seen a record-breaking attendance of over 6,000 men, according to Rev. Fr. Edmund Okella, the Chaplain for Men at Soroti Catholic Diocese.
Speaking to the large gathering, Okello emphasized the critical role that men play in the stability and progress of their families and communities.
He urged them to prioritize economic activities that can uplift their households and ensure financial stability.
“Household income is the backbone of any family. As men, we must take the lead in finding sustainable ways to provide for our families. This is not just about putting food on the table but also about creating opportunities for our children and the generations to come,” Okello said.
He also stressed the importance of love and unity within families, noting that strong relationships between husbands and wives are vital for raising responsible children.
“Love and respect between couples set the foundation for a harmonious family. When children see their parents united, they grow up with the right values, reducing the chances of engaging in criminal activities,” he added.
Okello expressed concern over the rising cases of youth involvement in criminal activities in the Teso region.
He attributed this trend to lack of guidance, and family instability.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the challenges our youth are facing. It is our responsibility as men to mentor them, provide direction, and create opportunities for them to thrive. Idle youth are more likely to be drawn into crime, which not only affects them but also destabilizes our communities,” he said.
He called on the men to work together with local leaders, religious institutions, and other stakeholders to implement programs aimed at youth empowerment, including vocational training and mentorship initiatives.
“Together, we can create a better future for our families and eliminate the challenges plaguing our youth. This starts with us as men taking responsibility for our actions and leading by example,” Okello concluded.
Rev. Fr. Okella, who has been at the forefront of organizing the annual Men’s Conference, expressed his delight at the overwhelming turnout.
“This year, we have received over 6,000 men, the highest number since we started this initiative in 2012,” he said.
“Back then, we began with just 700 participants. Last year, we had about 5,000 men, and now we are seeing exponential growth.”
Fr. Okella attributed the success to the growing awareness of the conference’s significance and the dedication of men in the diocese to improving their spiritual, social, and economic lives.
“Our aim is to guide men to become better leaders in their families and communities. Through sessions on spirituality, financial literacy, and conflict resolution, we are equipping them with tools to face today’s challenges,” he added.
Participants hailed the conference as a critical platform for change.
“I have been attending this conference for three years now, and it has significantly impacted my life. I’ve learned how to manage my finances better and how to communicate effectively with my wife and children,” said Emmanuel Otim, a participant from Amuria District.
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Malinga