First ever Teso convention opens in Soroti

The first annual Teso convention has opened this morning at Soroti Hotel where Teso leaders at different levels are discussing avenues of transforming the region that is currently grappling with hunger.

Ambassador Grace Akello greeting LC5 Soroti George Michael Egunyu. Photo by Godfrey Ojore

The meeting organized by Teso Parliamentary Group has attracted experts on food insecurity, academic scholars on agriculture and political leaders from the region.

Bishop Patrick Okabe the chairman Teso Parliamentary Group said the convention intends to end poverty.

"We were a food basket of this country but to our shock we are now beggars! What has gone wrong?" Okabe asked while opening the convention.

The convention which is being held under the theme ‘Focus on Teso' is aimed at discussing the food insecurity challenge, ways of increasing agricultural production, declining education standards and the poor health system in the region.

Soroti woman MP Angelina Ossege hugs the UPDF Commander of Land Forces, Maj Gen Peter Elwelu at the meeting. Photo by Godfrey Ojore

"We have never come as Iteso on a round table to discuss development of our area. All the time it has been politics but this convention is aimed as brainstorming on avenues to transform our region," said Serere woman MP Hellen Adoa.

Top on the agenda is the issue of compensation that has dragged for years without success due to lack of unity among the leaders in the region.

Besides hunger in Teso, the region has started experiencing flash floods due to the rains that have returned.

Climate change is one of the issues the leaders are discussing considering the high levels of environment destruction.