Delegates from Soroti City and Soroti District have given their unanimous support to Peter Opolot as their preferred candidate for the Eastern Youth Member of Parliament seat in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
The endorsement marks a significant boost to Opolot's campaign, which is built on three pillars: addressing youth unemployment, enhancing both formal and skills-based education, and increasing youth participation in productive agriculture.
After receiving the endorsement, Opolot stressed the importance of moving beyond political promises toward real job creation for young people.
"We need serious employment for the youth. We must attract factories and industries to Eastern Uganda like the SINO factory in the Valley that currently employs over 5,000 youth. This is the kind of transformation we need," he said.
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While acknowledging government efforts like UPE and USE to expand education access, Opolot called for more post-Senior Six support.
"Providing scholarships and further training opportunities is key. If 100 to 200 youth from each district can access university or vocational scholarships, we will have empowered a generation," he explained.
Opolot also praised the NRM government's Industrial Hubs but urged scaling up the program.
"Currently, only about 20 students per district benefit. We propose increasing this to at least 100 youths per intake so that every sub-county can send a meaningful number of beneficiaries," he said.
On agriculture, he highlighted the sector's potential to employ youth if given priority access to land, tools, and modern farming knowledge.
"Agriculture remains the biggest employer in our region and must be made attractive to young people," Opolot noted.
Opolot faces competition from Emmanuel Omaria, son of State Minister for Works Musa Ecweru, among other candidates in the Teso sub-region.
As campaigns intensify, Opolot's message resonates strongly with youth eager for genuine opportunities and inclusive development.
With the support of Soroti behind him, he aims to expand his appeal across Eastern Uganda.
