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What is happening in Acholi region?
GULU, UGANDA – In the Acholi sub-region, a transformative gathering unfolded recently at the Heart to Harvest lecture, where young leaders, development experts, and entrepreneurs came together to ignite a spark of economic empowerment among the youth. Led by the dynamic Dr. Okello Sharon Nagenjwa, the event focused on bridging the gap between potential and prosperity, emphasizing economic integrity, collaborative efforts, and innovative ways to monetize skills in a post-conflict landscape still healing from decades of turmoil.
Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the session drew participants from across the region, fostering discussions on turning everyday talents into sustainable income streams through digital tools, branding, and market access.
This event comes at a critical time for Uganda’s youth, particularly in the North, where unemployment rates remain high amid lingering effects of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency that displaced millions and shattered communities. With over 1.8 million people once internally displaced in the region, initiatives like Heart to Harvest represent a beacon of hope, aligning with national and global goals for inclusive growth and youth empowerment. As Uganda continues its development journey, such stories highlight the resilience of the Acholi people and the vital role of partnerships in rebuilding lives.
What Was the Focus of the Heart to Harvest Lecture?
The Heart to Harvest lecture, held in Gulu, served as a platform for inspiring Acholi youth to harness their inherent skills and transform them into viable economic opportunities. The core theme revolved around “turning skills into income,” with a strong emphasis on mindset shifts, practical action, and collaboration over competition. Participants, including youth leaders and entrepreneurs, engaged in interactive sessions that explored how learning could be translated into real-world applications, particularly in a region recovering from prolonged conflict.
Dr. Okello Sharon Nagenjwa, the event’s lead facilitator, positioned the youth not as passive victims of historical circumstances but as proactive agents of change. She delved into concepts like economic integrity—stressing the importance of ethical practices in business—and youth collaboration, urging attendees to pool resources and ideas for collective success. The lecture highlighted industries where youth could participate without direct production involvement, such as through digital transformation, storytelling, and sales strategies. For instance, using coffee as a case study, Okello illustrated how wealth is generated not just from farming but from branding, marketing, and distribution networks that tell compelling stories about the product’s origins.
The event’s agenda was designed to be actionable, with breakout discussions where youth shared ideas on digital marketing, branding for small-scale enterprises, and value addition in local products. This focus aligns with broader Ugandan government initiatives, which Okello referenced as frameworks stocked with tools for transitioning to a money economy through discipline, markets, and innovation.
Who Is Dr. Okello Sharon Nagenjwa and What Key Messages Did She Deliver?
Dr. Okello Sharon Nagenjwa, affectionately known as the “Girl from Oyam,” is a multifaceted Ugandan leader whose background in media, women’s advocacy, and entrepreneurship made her the ideal spearhead for this event. Born and raised in Oyam District, Northern Uganda, Okello began her career young in media, progressing through various roles and becoming a prominent figure on television and as an events host.
As the founder of Triumph Women Initiative and CEO of Nuwebiz Foundation, Okello has mobilized thousands of women in Northern Uganda for economic empowerment, focusing on grassroots access to government programs. Her work extends to conservation and advocacy for young African women in finance and business. A self-described “Woman of All Seasons,” Okello’s curiosity has led her to explore economic frameworks deeply.
In her lecture, Okello delivered a powerful message on “making money without money,” challenging youth to leverage discipline, creativity, and existing markets rather than waiting for capital. Using the “from farm to cup” journey of coffee, she emphasized that youth don’t need to own land to profit; instead, they require credibility, digital skills, and storytelling to brand products and access global markets. “Youth do not need to own land to earn from coffee,” she explained. “They need credibility, digital skills, and access to markets.” This approach resonated deeply, holding the audience’s attention as it offered practical steps for immediate application.
How Did UNDP Representatives Contribute to the Discussions?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) played a pivotal role in supporting the Heart to Harvest event, with Florence Ochola, the UNDP Area Manager for Northern Uganda, delivering key insights on translating knowledge into action. Ochola emphasized that education and training must lead to tangible outcomes. “What is taught should not end here,” she urged participants, directly engaging them on how they planned to add value and generate income.
Ochola highlighted the importance of unity among youth, advocating for collaboration over competition as a pathway to sustainable growth in post-conflict areas. Many attendees responded by sharing ideas on digital marketing and small enterprises, reflecting the interactive nature of her session.
UNDP’s involvement aligns with its broader mandate in Uganda, supporting goals such as decent work and economic growth, quality education, and industry innovation.
Who Else Spoke at the Event and What Did They Say?
Project partner Sedrick Otolo, the co-founder and director of Kakebe Technologies Limited, reinforced the event’s messages by urging youth to apply their talents actively. “Talent without application remains potential,” he noted, encouraging participants to leverage existing skills for income generation.
Otolo, a young innovator from Northern Uganda, focuses on eCommerce, health innovations, and youth tech camps, equipping young people with digital skills. His work inspires youth through projects in AI and software development. At the lecture, Otolo’s emphasis on practical application complemented Okello’s insights, providing a balanced perspective on entrepreneurship.
What Challenges Do Acholi Youth Face in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda?
The Acholi sub-region has endured profound challenges stemming from the over 20-year LRA conflict, which displaced over 1.8 million people and left deep scars. Youth in this area grapple with high unemployment, land disputes, limited access to education and markets, and social issues like early marriages and poverty.
Post-conflict reconstruction has opened opportunities, but lingering vulnerabilities remain. Events like Heart to Harvest address these by promoting peacebuilding, innovation, and inclusive growth, helping youth navigate these hurdles.
How Can Youth Turn Skills into Income Without Starting Capital?
Drawing from Okello’s lecture, turning skills into income without capital involves leveraging credibility, digital tools, and storytelling. For example, in the coffee industry, youth can focus on branding and distribution—creating narratives to attract buyers. Digital marketing platforms allow free promotion, while collaborations build networks for market access.
Otolo’s tech perspective suggests using open-source tools for eCommerce or app development to monetize ideas. Success lies in mindset change: viewing talents as assets and applying them through unity and innovation.
What Are Some Related Initiatives and Success Stories?
UNDP programs have trained hundreds of youth in vocational skills across Northern districts, with graduates receiving toolkits and forming groups linked to government funds. Stories include young people restarting education and becoming advocates, showcasing economic and social impacts.
Okello’s initiatives have empowered thousands, while Otolo’s tech camps train youth in coding and entrepreneurship. Broader efforts contribute to youth leadership and innovation in the region.
What Is the Broader Impact on Uganda’s Sustainable Development?
The Heart to Harvest event underscores how mindset change, policy alignment, and practical action can unlock opportunities in post-conflict regions, supporting Uganda’s long-term vision and global sustainable development goals. By fostering youth employment and peacebuilding, it contributes to inclusive growth, reducing inequalities and promoting innovation. As Northern Uganda rebuilds, such initiatives pave the way for a resilient, economically vibrant future, where youth lead the charge toward prosperity.
