Leonard Opio Ojok, Agago – The Agago Youth Day celebration, held at Lira Palwo Town Council on November 29, 2024, was marred by drama as the District Youth Chairman of Agago, Otto Wilson, requested Agago LCV Chairman Leonard Opio Ojok to support him during the 2026 election campaign, thus calling for a peaceful handover.
Wilson Otto, the National Youth Council Secretary who doubles as the Agago District Youth Chairperson, advised the current Agago LCV Chairman, Mr. Leonard Opio Ojok, to prepare for a peaceful handover of power to him (Otto Wilson) come the 2026 general election.
Agago District Youth Chairman Mr. Otto urged the current Agago District Chairman to think of a peaceful handover, as he (Otto) is confident of taking over the political office from Leonard Opio Ojok, commonly known as “Aleo,” in 2026. He disclosed this to thousands of voters who turned up in large numbers to witness the Youth Day celebration held last week.
In his address, Mr. Otto Wilson, the District Youth Chairman of Agago, called for unity and accused some leaders of failing to account for youth funds meant for the Youth Day celebration.
In his speech, Leonard Opio Ojok, the Agago District Chairman, fired back at Otto Wilson, saying that he is a man of all seasons who loves everybody. He tasked Otto Wilson to ask the people of Arum and Lira Palwo sub-counties how he (Aleo) always conducts his campaigns with love and socialization. However, Aleo stated that the outcome of the “relay race” in the 2026 elections mainly lies in the hands of the voters, who may choose to elect him or not. This sparked laughter among the thousands of youths who were attending the celebration in Lira Palwo Town Council.
Meanwhile, Minister Akello Beatrice Akori, who represented Vice President Jessica Alupo at the function, donated 500,000 shillings to the youth. According to Minister Akori, Vice President Jessica Alupo was unable to officiate the function as she was reportedly engaged in the Ateker Reunion Cultural Festival in Soroti City. However, Akori stated that Presidential Skilling Centre graduates would be supported through the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, as previously communicated by H.E. the President in a recent cabinet meeting.
Akori emphasized that youth are a key factor in development, as they are energetic and form the majority of the population. She added that she was once a youth leader during her first leadership term in Pader District, stressing that government programs such as PDM, YLP, and Emyooga must be supported through hard work to eradicate poverty. All of this can be achieved through unity among the youth.
Agago West Constituency MP, Hon. Ricky Richard Anywar, tasked the youth to take initiative and urged them to use their own hands in order to get rich and fight poverty in their communities, starting from their homes. Hon. Anywar called for unity and hard work, stressing that collective effort is necessary to fight poverty in Agago District and Northern Uganda.
A number of youths who spoke to this publication expressed their happiness, praising their leaders for supporting them in such a wonderful celebration that attracted thousands of youths from all walks of life in Agago District.
