Traditional and religious leaders in Teso have joined forces to combat the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse among young people in what has been described as an unprecedented regional campaign to safeguard the future of the sub-region.

The initiative was agreed during a high-level meeting between His Highness Dr. Paul  Eganda, President of AIDO, His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor, the King of Teso, His Royal Highness Won Ateker, Raphael Otaya the King of Kumam Cultural Union, and members of the ICU Cabinet. The leaders resolved that the fight against drug and substance abuse in schools requires a united approach involving cultural institutions, religious leaders, government agencies, parents, schools and the wider community.

As part of the campaign, this partnership between AIDO, the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) and the Kumam Cultural Institution, bringing the two neighbouring cultural institutions together behind a common cause. The partnership is expected to strengthen community mobilisation, youth awareness and public education on the dangers of drug and substance abuse among the young people.

The Unity Football Matches will be held in Serere District and Soroti City as flagship events of the “Kick Out Drugs and Substance Abuse from Teso Schools” campaign. The first match will take place on 19^th July at Olio Primary School in Serere District, featuring the Nurses Team against the Drug-Free Club Ambassadors, highlighting the vital role of healthcare professionals and youth champions in promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

The second and main Unity Football Match will be played on 21^st July at 3:00 p.m. at Soroti Sports Ground, where teams from the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) and the Kumam Cultural Institution will face off in a symbolic match promoting peace, unity and healthy living. In an unprecedented show of solidarity, His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor, the King of Iteso, and His Royal Highness Won Ateker Raphael Otaya, leader of the Kumam Cultural Institution, are expected to take to the pitch alongside their respective teams, demonstrating that true leadership begins by setting an example. The matches are expected to inspire thousands of young people across the region to reject drug and substance abuse while embracing education, sports and positive community values.

Speaking after the meeting, Chancellor John Ekwamu, the chairman Drug-free Teso Organising committee, said football is a powerful tool for bringing communities together and inspiring young people to reject drugs and embrace education, discipline and responsible living. He called upon all cultural leaders, religious institutions, local governments, schools, parents and development partners to support the campaign and ensure that every school in Teso and Uganda becomes a drug-free learning environment.

Both Cultural leaders have welcomed the initiative, saying cultural institutions have a responsibility to protect young people and preserve the values that have long defined the Teso and Kumam communities. They urged religious leaders and all stakeholders to work together in mentoring the youth and promoting positive lifestyles.

The “Kick Out Drugs and Substance Abuse from Teso” campaign will include school sensitisation programmes, community dialogues, sports activities, counselling services, mentorship sessions and public awareness campaigns across the sub-region. Organisers believe the initiative has the potential to become a national model for using culture, sport and community leadership to tackle one of Uganda’s most pressing social challenges.

The campaign is being spearheaded by Ateker International Development Organisation (AIDO) also known as AIDO Network International in partnership with the Foundation for a Drug-Free World and in collaboration with the support of a broad coalition of public, private and community stakeholders. Key partners include MTN Uganda, Equity Bank Uganda, Stanbic Bank Uganda, the Rotary Club of Serere, the Serere Schools Head Teachers Association, Clinson Medical Centre, the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) and the Kumam Cultural Institution.

Commissioner  Hellen Oguli, one of the campaign organisers, said the strength of the initiative lies in its multi-sectoral approach, bringing together cultural institutions, government agencies, the private sector, educators, healthcare providers, religious leaders and community organisations to protect young people from the dangers of drug and substance abuse. She noted that lasting success can only be achieved through collective action and sustained community engagement.

The campaign sends a clear message that the fight against drugs cannot be won by one institution alone. Through football, culture and unity, the people of Teso are demonstrating that collective action can inspire young people, strengthen communities and build a healthier, drug-free generation for Uganda.

Aido Press Unit.