Teso North Member of Parliament Oku Kaunya has cautioned politicians eyeing the 2027 General Election against using youths as goons and hecklers during public gatherings.
He warned that such practices threaten peace and cohesion and will not translate into political support or votes at the ballot.
Speaking during the Iteso Cultural Day at Kakapel National Monument and Cultural Centre in Teso North on Friday, Kaunya said there is a worrying trend in the constituency where some aspiring leaders are allegedly paying young people to disrupt meetings and intimidate opponents when they rise to address residents.
The MP cautioned that the tactic could easily backfire, noting that many of the youth hired for such activities are often under the influence of alcohol, making them prone to disorderly conduct and poor judgement.
“Using intoxicated youth to cause chaos does not translate into political support. When sober, these same youth will vote for leaders who address their real problems,” Kaunya said.
He warned that the use of goons, which he said has not been common in the constituency, could undermine peace, stability and security within the community if allowed to continue.
Kaunya urged politicians to abandon intimidation tactics and instead focus on addressing key challenges affecting young people, including unemployment and access to education.
“Any leader who truly wants the support of the youth should come up with programmes that create jobs and support their education, not exploit their vulnerability for personal political gain,” he said.
At the same time, the MP cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be used by what he described as self-seeking politicians, warning that engaging in violence, heckling or shielding politicians could land them in serious trouble with the law.
He said those exploiting youth vulnerability often abandon them after elections, leaving them to face the consequences alone.
Kaunya, who said he remains firmly in charge of the constituency, welcomed all aspirants to prepare for an open and peaceful contest during the 2027 elections.
He also called for unity among leaders and residents, urging those in government to take advantage of the current broad-based government arrangement to mobilise resources for development projects in Teso North.
The MP further appealed to leaders to lobby for the appointment of community members to government positions to strengthen the region’s representation in national decision-making.
Meanwhile, Principal Administrative Secretary (PAS) in the Executive Office of the President Arthur Osiya said he will continue installing solar lights in schools and markets across Busia County to promote a 24-hour business economy.
Osiya announced plans to install a Sh1 million high-mast solar light at Kakapel Primary School, saying it will be the 39th school in the county to benefit from the solarisation programme.
By Moses Wekesa
