By Nathan Eyagu
SOROTI – In a press conference held today in Soroti City, George William Okoit, CEO of Teso Textiles and Executive Director of Lu’ateker Concepts, announced a bold initiative that promises to transform the economic landscape of the Ateker region.
The Ateker Young Entrepreneurs Symposium, set for January 25, 2025, at Soroti Secondary School’s Main Hall, will kick off a visionary plan aimed at creating 25,000 enterprises over the next five years.
The symposium, themed “Young Entrepreneurs Shaping Tomorrow’s World,” is designed to empower the youth of Ateker to embrace entrepreneurship and lead the charge in combating unemployment and poverty in the region.
During the press conference, Okoit shared his personal story of resilience and success. Reflecting on his arrival in Soroti in 2006 with little but ambition, Okoit expressed how entrepreneurship changed his life. Today, he employs over 20 people in his businesses and is now focused on helping other young people in Ateker realize their potential.
“We are at a turning point. Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business; it’s about changing mindsets and creating opportunities,” Okoit stated. “By 2030, our goal is to see 25,000 new enterprises across the Ateker region. This is how we will address unemployment and empower our youth. We want them to be the creators of their own futures.”
The symposium aims to address the gap in opportunity and provide the tools and support necessary for young entrepreneurs to succeed. Okoit emphasized that this initiative is a step toward building a self-sustaining community where economic prosperity and job creation are driven from within. 
The Ateker Young Entrepreneurs Symposium will offer a dynamic agenda, including motivational speeches from successful entrepreneurs, practical business workshops, and networking sessions with industry leaders, investors, and mentors. These sessions will be designed to equip participants with essential business skills, help them refine their ideas, and provide them with the confidence to launch and grow their enterprises.
A key highlight of the event will be the official launch of the Ateker Business Forum, an association that aims to support entrepreneurs with a variety of services, including business training, mentorship, and access to affordable financial services. The forum will also serve as a networking hub for entrepreneurs, providing them with the resources and connections needed to thrive.
Isaac Esaru, Program Coordinator at Lu’ateker Concepts, emphasized that this platform will play a pivotal role in reaching the goal of creating 25,000 enterprises. “We are not just talking about businesses; we are creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation, supports entrepreneurs, and drives economic growth. This forum is key to building a sustainable future for Ateker,” Esaru explained.
Recognizing that the well-being of entrepreneurs is critical to their success, the symposium will also feature health-related initiatives. The AIDS Information Centre-Uganda will provide free HIV testing and counseling services to participants, underscoring the symposium’s commitment to a holistic approach to entrepreneurship.
“We believe that the health of an entrepreneur is directly tied to their ability to succeed. This event is about more than just business; it’s about ensuring our youth are healthy, empowered, and ready to take on the challenges of entrepreneurship,” said Abdallah Ochogiah, Advocacy and Communications Specialist at the AIDS Information Centre.
Okoit also called on local leaders, financial institutions, and the private sector to play an active role in supporting youth entrepreneurship. He urged Members of Parliament and local government officials to not only encourage participation but also create policies that foster a conducive environment for business growth.
“This is not a job for one person or one organization; this is a community effort. We need the support of our leaders, financial institutions, and private sector players to build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. It’s time for Ateker to become a model for innovation and economic empowerment,” Okoit remarked.
Support for the symposium has already poured in from various quarters, with organizations like Sparrow Hotel pledging to back the initiative. Stephen Onek, General Manager of Sparrow Hotel, emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and fostering creativity within the community.
“As a business in the hospitality sector, we understand the power of local enterprises. We are proud to support this symposium and encourage others in the community to do the same,” Onek said.
With over 1,000 participants expected to attend, the Ateker Young Entrepreneurs Symposium 2025 promises to be a turning point for the region. Through its focused efforts on training, mentorship, and resource accessibility, the event will empower young entrepreneurs to take charge of their futures and build sustainable businesses.
The symposium is the first step in realizing Okoit’s bold vision of creating 25,000 enterprises by 2030, a goal that aims to address unemployment, reduce poverty, and position Ateker as a leading hub for innovation and enterprise in Uganda.
“This is just the beginning,” Okoit said. “The journey towards 25,000 enterprises will not be easy, but it is achievable. Together, we can turn this vision into a reality and lay the foundation for a prosperous future for Ateker’s youth.”
