Soroti Catholic Diocese Integrated Development Organization (SOCADIDO) and Ateker Development Foundation (ADEFO) platform have entered partnership with Lu’Ateker Concepts to organize the third edition of the Ateker Annual Young Entrepreneur’s Symposium aimed at empowering young people and strengthening economic resilience in Teso Sub Region.
The event is scheduled to take place on May 9th 2026, at Soroti Secondary School, bringing together thousands of young entrepreneurs, farmers, business leaders, policymakers, and development partners from across the Teso sub-region.
Speaking ahead of the symposium, Ben Boham Okiror, a representative of SOCADIDO and coordinator of the Ateker Development Foundation Multi-Actor Partnership (ADEFO-MAP) platform, emphasized the importance of collective action in driving sustainable development.
He noted that ADEFO serves as a unifying platform that brings together civil society organizations, local governments, entrepreneurs, academia, and professionals to address socio-economic challenges in the Teso sub-region.
“Our mission is to consolidate efforts rather than work in silos,” Okiror explained. “By doing so, we can effectively transform livelihoods and create lasting economic opportunities for our people, especially the youth.”
The symposium aligns with ADEFO’s broader agenda of promoting inclusive development by equipping young people with knowledge, skills, and practical tools to thrive in entrepreneurship and agribusiness.
A key highlight of this year’s symposium is its strong emphasis on agribusiness as a viable and profitable venture for young people. Through the ADEFO-MAP project, which is currently in its second phase, over 3,600 households of smallholder farmers representing 21,600 individuals are being supported to transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
The project is implemented with support from Sign of Hope, a German Christian organization, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Okiror underscored the importance of adopting the “farmpreneur” model, an approach that encourages farmers to treat agriculture as a business rather than merely a means of survival.
“We want farmers to produce with a market in mind, to generate income, and to invest in their future,” he said. “Agriculture is no longer a last resort; it is a powerful economic engine.”
Organizers aim to mobilize thousands of young farmers and entrepreneurs to attend the symposium, where they will gain insights from experienced business leaders, industry experts, and successful entrepreneurs.
George William Okoit, Executive Director of Lu’Ateker Concepts, described the symposium as a critical platform for nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets among youth.
“There is no success without knowledge,” Okoit said. “This symposium is designed to equip young people with practical skills in business management, branding, marketing, and financial literacy.”
He stressed that entrepreneurship goes beyond traditional businesses, noting that skills such as emceeing, photography, and D-Jeeing can also be developed into profitable ventures with the right knowledge and strategy.
The organizers also highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in addressing pressing social challenges such as unemployment, poverty, domestic violence, and crime.
Okoit warned that failure to create sustainable economic opportunities for young people could lead to increased social instability.
“Poverty is at the root of many problems in our communities,” he said. “If we empower young people economically, we reduce crime, early marriages, and other social ills.”
He added that the symposium will also feature financial institutions to guide participants on accessing funding, managing finances, and building creditworthiness, critical elements for business growth.
This year’s symposium will feature notable speakers, including Jeje Odongo the Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister also Orungo County MP in Amuria District, who will deliver a keynote address drawing from his experience in leadership and business.
Additionally, the cultural leader of the Iteso people, His Royal Highness Paul Sande Emolot, is expected to share insights on leadership, heritage, and entrepreneurship. Organizers say more speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
The symposium is open to all aspiring and established entrepreneurs, with organizers emphasizing that participation is free of charge. Attendees will benefit from free meals, training materials, and certificates of participation.
However, strict time management will be enforced, with gates closing promptly at 9:00 a.m. to instill discipline and professionalism among participants.
“This is not just an event, it is a life-changing opportunity,” Okoit said. “We encourage everyone to come early, participate actively, and take advantage of the knowledge being shared.”
Both SOCADIDO and ADEFO platform have called upon development partners, local leaders, and community members to support the initiative and mobilize young people to attend.
The organizers believe that by investing in youth entrepreneurship, the Teso sub-region can unlock its full economic potential and build a more prosperous future.
“As a community, we must rise together,” Okiror concluded. “This symposium is a step toward empowering our young people to lead that transformation.”
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