Youth at the Crossroads of Crisis and Courage
Eastern Uganda—home to the towering Elgon ranges, fertile plains, and unmatched cultural diversity—is full of promise. From the strength of Sebei to the struggles of Karamoja, the pride of Teso, and the deep roots of Busoga and Bugisu, this region has always given its best to Uganda.
But in return, its youth have received neglect, betrayal, and broken systems.
While politicians exploit the energy and numbers of young people during elections, they fail to deliver when it matters most. From deadly land disputes to lack of mental health care, joblessness, and corruption, the youth of Eastern Uganda face one of the harshest realities in the country today.
Critical Issues Affecting Youth in Eastern Uganda
Wildlife-Related Shootings & Land Disputes
In Kapchorwa, Kween, Bukwo, and parts of Teso, youth and farmers live in fear of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Families living near national parks and protected reserves report violence, shootings, and destruction of property by rangers defending wildlife at the cost of human life.
“They protect animals more than people. My uncle was shot near his own garden.”
— Juliet, 30, Kween
“Our food is eaten by wild animals. When we chase them away, UWA comes with guns.”
— Peter, 25, Katakwi
“We fear farming near Mt. Elgon now. It’s like we’re foreigners in our own land.”
— James, 29, Kapchorwa
Poverty Amidst Fertility
Eastern Uganda feeds much of the country. But youth farmers are still poor, often exploited by middlemen and left out of government programs like Emyooga and Parish Development Model (PDM).
“We were told PDM would change our lives. The money came and i have to pay a bribe to the parish SACCO committee.”
— Naome, 32, Soroti
Lack of Jobs, Skills, and Opportunity
Even in regional towns like Mbale, Jinja, and Tororo, youth scramble for low-paying work. Connections, not qualifications, determine who gets opportunities.
“You either know someone or stay jobless. Qualifications mean nothing here.”
— David, 33, Jinja
Mental Health Neglect & Suicides
The pain of poverty, failure, and family breakdown is taking a toll. Suicide and depression are rising—but no clinics, counselors, or conversations exist for mental health.
“My brother killed himself after being rejected from a job he trained for. He felt useless.”
— Sarah, 19, Pallisa
Teenage Pregnancy, Child Marriage & Gender Violence
From Iganga to Amuria to Bukwo, girls are pulled out of school due to pregnancy, poverty, or outdated cultural practices. Many face FGM, rape, or early marriage—with no justice system to protect them.
“I reported my rapist to police. They told me to settle it at home.”
— Aisha, 27, Budaka
“I was cut against my will. They say it’s tradition—but it stole my future.”
— Linda, 28, Bukwo
🍻 Drug & Alcohol Addiction
With no jobs and no hope, many youth turn to alcohol, marijuana, and cheap drugs. This is especially alarming in Jinja, Busia, Iganga, and Karamoja towns.
“We drink because we’re broken. Society has already given up on us.”
— Joseph, 34, Iganga
Regional Snapshots
Sebei Subregion (Kapchorwa, Bukwo, Kween)
- Constant land conflict with UWA.
- FGM still practiced despite legal bans.
- Youth neglected despite Sebei’s global athletic fame.
“Athletes win medals, but their villages are starving.”
— Benard Kibet, 26, Kapchorwa
Bugisu (Mbale, Bududa, Manafwa, Sironko)
- Regular landslides displace families.
- Coffee farmers exploited with low prices.
- Youth migration and unemployment rising.
Teso (Soroti, Amuria, Katakwi, Bukedea)
- Land conflicts and poverty still visible after war.
- Cattle theft, flood damage, and youth suicide on the rise.
“We hosted rebels, gave our cows, and still get nothing.”
— Joel, 28, Soroti
Karamoja (Moroto, Napak, Kotido)
- Chronic hunger and droughts.
- No real youth programs beyond relief.
- Early marriage and school dropout rates highest in Uganda.
Busoga & Bukedi (Jinja, Kamuli, Butaleja, Tororo)
- Alcoholism, drug abuse, and school dropouts rampant.
- Urban youth exploited by city politics and gang violence.
More Youth Voices
“Even when we speak up, they say we’re being used by enemies of the government.”
— Hope, 33, Tororo
“I buried my cousin after UWA shot him in our Irish potato farm field.”
— Joseph, 26, Bukwo
“They cut me and said it would make me strong. I just feel broken.”
— Chebet A, 29, Kween
“We plant the food. We fetch the water. But when jobs come, they import people from Kampala.”
— Ali, 27, Budaka
A Region That Deserves Better
Eastern Uganda is not weak. It is overlooked, abused, and sidelined—but it is ready. The youth here are not statistics. They are thinkers, builders, and survivors.
From the hills of Sebei to the border towns of Busia, from Karamoja’s dust to the flooded valleys of Bududa, Eastern youth are standing up.
“We are not begging. We are organizing. This is our time.”
— National Youth Movement – Uganda
