Pader youth conference builds future community leaders

12 September 2025, 16:36

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Faith Mission of Uganda in Pader District successfully concluded a three-day youth conference from September 10th to 12th, bringing together young people from Pader and Agago districts for spiritual teaching and life skills training.

The event was guided by the theme from “1 Peter 3:15,” which emphasizes the importance of living with hope and being prepared to share one’s faith with others.

Okumu Donato, overseer of Faith Mission of Uganda in Pader and Agago and Deputy Regional Overseer for the Acholi Region, said the conference went beyond preaching.

“We wanted to equip the youth not only spiritually but also practically, with skills to lead, resolve conflicts, and live disciplined lives,” he said.

The sessions included health awareness, wealth creation, moral living, conflict resolution, and leadership training, aimed at shaping responsible young people ready to positively contribute to their communities.

Lagen Joseph, the youth leader for Pader and Agago, said the conference instilled renewed confidence among participants.

“The program has empowered our youth to live responsibly and apply their faith practically. We appeal to leaders and well-wishers to support future events, as we often face financial and logistical challenges in sustaining such programs,” he added.

Lalam Jennet Faith from Lira Palwo highlighted both spiritual and practical growth, saying she gained skills in business and saving, alongside strengthened faith.

Bosco Ali reflected on the lessons of hard work and peace, noting the importance of building harmonious relationships and avoiding dependency.

Church leaders recalled a previous case of a 14-year-old girl who had abandoned her home to join a negative peer group but was later transformed through a prior conference.

She eventually returned to her family, peaceful and respectful, bringing joy to her parents.

Faith Mission of Uganda organizes these youth conferences twice yearly one at the section level and another at the district level to ensure more young people benefit before attending the national conference.

Leaders believe the initiative reduces dependency, promotes peaceful coexistence, and equips the youth with both spiritual and practical skills necessary for community development and future leadership.

Looking ahead, the next national youth conference is scheduled for December in Amuria District, Teso Sub-region.

Okumu Donato emphasized the significance of these gatherings, stating that the aim is to continue shaping future leaders who will serve their communities with integrity, discipline, and faith.

As the event concluded in Pader, participants carried home renewed energy, strengthened faith, and practical skills expected to positively influence their lives and communities.

The conference not only deepened participants’ spiritual foundations but also inspired a commitment to responsible living, entrepreneurship, and community service, ensuring the youth of Pader and Agago are well-prepared for leadership roles in the future.