SOROTI – The Vice President Jessica Alupo Epel has rallied the youth of Teso to venture into commercial farming to curb poverty and create more jobs
The Vice President says it’s abominable for the young people in the country to be engaging in subsistence farming to date, an area she says doesn’t address poverty and unemployment.
Alupo made the remarks while presiding over the first Golden Youth Symposium that drew youth leaders from institutions of learrning from across the country at Soroti university.
Alupo says the government through the Parish Development Model (PDM) intends to upgrade the young people about 39 percent engaged in subsistence farming into the money economy.
She outlined commercial farming while discouraging the youth from further engaging in subsistence farming that doesn’t address poverty and create employment.
The Vice President with emphasis outlined PDMs crucial for ending poverty and unemployment through service provision, Industries, and Information, communication, and Technology (ICT).
She told the youth that whatever they do they should build a foundation which is firm, formidable and sustainable.
She also asked the youth to embrace diary farming, poultry farming, piggery, fish farming, fruit farming, coffee and food.
She promised to continue mentoring the youth and ask all leaders to open their doors to the youth for mentorship.
The Deputy Commander of Chief of Defense Forces, Gen Peter Elwelu also challenged the youth on patriotism and love for country.
“Anyone who is not patriotic is a sinner. Leadership is a calling and one is born a leader though some people struggle to become, leaders,” Elwelu said.
He also cautioned the youth on Patriotism and asked them to “love humanity and stay focused.”
Minister Kenneth Obote Ongalo also requested the People of Teso to support the Vice President while reguesting Iteso to desist from the culture of fighting each other.