By Delux Emmy Alomu
NGORA
Chancellor of Soroti University, Professor Francis Omaswa has urged the Iteso Cultural Union to take the proactive lead in establishing organized community groups to combat the alarming rise of youth gangs, notably the gate-crashers known locally as Okadibong in the Teso sub-region.
Prof. Omaswa delivered his remarks as the chief guest at the thanksgiving and award ceremony honoring the top 14 S.4 and S.6 students of 2025 and their teachers from Ngora High Schoolon Saturday March 28th, 2026. .
He emphasized the urgent need to address the situation with the youth in Teso districts, cautioning that if not effectively managed, they could lead to significant challenges in the near future.
He attributed the growth of these gangs to a lack of community engagement, suggesting that fear or neglect has allowed the situation to worsen. By coming together as a community to address these issues collaboratively, he believes they can eradicate the problem.
Prof. Omaswa advocated for the formation of organized village committees that would convene regularly, focusing on guiding youth behavior and providing them with constructive activities, such as competency-based education that emphasizes practical problem-solving.
He envisions young people being empowered to achieve self-sufficiency and even create their own job opportunities. Strengthening community ties, he argued, is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by the Okadibong gangs.
“The cultural union should play a key role in engaging communities, ensuring that we maintain oversight of everyone within our society,” he stated.
Reflecting on his tenure as chairperson of the COVID-19 national subcommittee on community engagement, Prof. Omaswa shared insights from successful initiatives in Ngora district. These efforts involved establishing village health committees led by LC1 Chairpersons, with the inclusion of cultural and religious leaders.
He noted that these committees have been effective in governing society beyond health matters, bringing order and accountability to the community.
“When issues arise, like a boy stealing oranges at night, these groups step in to resolve such matters, and they have helped reduce teenage pregnancies and other negative behaviors,” he explained.
His statements come in light of growing concerns from local leaders, including Bishop Michael Okwii Esakhan of the Kumi Church of Uganda, regarding the increasing incidence of gang-related activities.
In a sermon at Ngora High School, Bishop Esakhan highlighted how greed is damaging the youth of Teso. He called on the Iteso Cultural Union, the church, and government leaders through the LC system to collaboratively devise strategies to combat this pressing issue, stressing that children raised with neglect and greed are not only a challenge for their families but also for the entire community.
In recent years, gangs have become more prominent and notorious, leading Bishop Esakhan to urge parents to closely supervise their children.
He pointed out that even the spirit of learners stealing others’ property is on the rise, emphasizing the importance of instilling a sense of spirituality in children to know God.
During this ceremony, outstanding students were celebrated, with seven top 2025 candidates from S.4 and seven from S.6 receiving recognition.
The top three students, who each achieved a remarkable total of 20 points, went home with awards including Accolades, laptops, smartphones, and mattresses, all valued at nearly five million shillings, courtesy of the school and its alumni.
Additionally, parents and guests presented the school with goats and bulls for roasting, among other gifts to honor the students’ achievements.
John Bosco Okwaja, Chairperson of the Ngora H/S Old Students Association (NGOSA), called on graduates from various schools to step up and help improve their alma maters. He emphasized that students from Teso shouldn’t have to travel far to find quality education.
Okwaja, currently serving as the Principal at the National Farmers Leadership Centre in Mpigi, noted a significant increase in academic performance since the alumni began recognizing top students and teachers. This year, alumni allocated over shs7 million to reward both students and teachers.
Eliphaz Ewalu Opolot, the school’s headteacher, shared that numerous students excelled in both ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels last year, which prompted the school community to come together in gratitude. He encouraged parents to also recognize and reward the best teachers.
Prof. Omaswa inspired the students by reminding them that their futures lie in their own hands.
He stressed that the drive to succeed begins within and encouraged them to maintain determination, discipline, personal hygiene, and proper rest.
He recalled that the then Teso district was once among the highest-performing areas in Uganda, gaining esteem from the British colonial authorities due to the residents’ honesty and hard work. He urged schools to strive to restore this former glory.
Prof. Omaswa pledged his unwavering support to Bishop Esakhan to ensure that schools under the Church of Uganda are well-managed, led, and performing at a high standard, much like Ngora High, leaving a positive legacy for the community.
Christine Amongin, an orphan from Otaamirio village in Pallisa district, shared how her uncle’s support after her father’s passing helped her succeed academically. She attributed her achievements to her unwavering faith in God and her dedication to studying.
She encouraged future candidates not to underestimate any subject they choose, as each holds promise for their future, regardless of whether they are pursuing arts or sciences. Ngora H/S has over 1,800 students against 166 staff.
