“Teso’s Top 10 Trailblazers: Redefining Leadership, Culture & Change”

In the heart of Uganda, where the sun kisses the red soil and the winds carry whispers of legacy and revolution, Teso rises, not just as a region, but as a powerhouse of ideas, talent, and unstoppable energy. These aren’t your everyday movers; these are the trailblazers, the rule-breakers, the dream-weavers, and the game-changers who turn ordinary streets into stages and local challenges into global narratives.

From boardrooms to broadcast studios, from parliamentary corridors to pulse-pounding music stages, Teso’s top 20 personalities are smashing ceilings, crafting futures, and demanding attention. Each one carries the swagger of vision, the grit of experience, and the hunger of a generation ready to roar.

Brace yourself, i said brace yourself, this is not just a roll call. It’s a celebration of influence, audacity, and brilliance. Welcome to the next chapter of Teso’s ascent, where politics, culture, innovation, and art collide with explosive style.

Now, meet the first 10 out-of-this-world game-changers who are putting Teso and the world on notice, and By the way, some of these names might not be making daily noise in your ear drum but our team looked them up and was confirmed that, this list is ideal, Kampala Sqoop writes;

1. Beecham David Okwere – The Diplomatic Storm

Forget Mr. Okwere’s age, and actually, he is still in his 40s, so, lets talk wisdom! Because he is, there’s absolutely no doubt about that.

The NRM MP Aspirant, Bukedea County has got not only class but new energy, new vibes, action-packed! So, lets talk about ‘Why He Shines:’ Beecham David Okwere is the embodiment of brains, grit, and global reach. This is a man whose career reads like a United Nations dossier, African Union legal advisor, UN peacekeeping trainer in Gabon and Ghana, election reform architect for the AU and East African Community.

Looking at the Academics & Expertise’s lane, Mr. Okwere has a LLB (Kampala International University), Diploma in Law (LDC), UNITAR diplomas in Peace, Security & Conflict Resolution, International Environmental Law, Human Rights & the Environment, Certificate in Diplomacy & International Relations (Diplo Foundation, Malta).

To back up his education and expertise, we shine a light at Okwere’s achievements:

• Trained 100+ AU peacekeeping staff in gender and civil protections.

• Spearheaded pro-bono legal aid initiatives.

• Introduced performance-based assessment frameworks for MPs in Uganda.

• Petitioned for youth seats in EALA, adopted by Parliament and EALA. Fun Fact: CEO of SIMI Mobile, Africa’s first homegrown phone and computer manufacturer—he engineered the G507 smart device with in-built temperature scanner during COVID-19. Why Teso Should Watch: Okwere is not here to play; he’s here to redefine governance, tech, and diplomacy from Bukedea to the world stage.

2. Emuk Benjamen (Benjie) Okooke Atoori – The Cultural Vanguard

Emuk Benjamen alias Benjie is one icon you shouldn’t die without meeting/ interacting with, do you know that this young Man has seen and known beyond his age? Well, He’s done, our forefathers only managed to accomplish at 60 and most of them met joined their ancestors without accomplishing what this young man has done in his late twenties even when they thought the lived a full-filled nourished lives

Emuk gets things done, it just depends on how fast or slow you need them pulled off, when he tells you, ‘relax, i will call the Minister,’ don’t take it as a joke, because he real does. When you are scared, just pick up your phone and call on him! BTW, Emuk is even a love enthusiast, call it councilor, he helps mend broken hearts and fixes them in 1,2,3-10 minutes, so whether you are about to go south or part ways with your partner, he will help you make things right with just dialogue/sweet/peace talks!

So ladies and gentlemen, you now understand why you shouldn’t leave planet earth without meeting Emuk? But wait, we are not looking at any ordinary person here, we are taking about a whole MP Aspirant, Bukedea County 2026-2031 under the National Unity Platform (NUP Flag Bearer).

Emuk shines because he shines, if you are looking for an individual who doesn’t hide what he does, then you are just right on point, welcome to Emuk’s territory. At least from what we know, Emuk is a journalistic juggernaut with a decade of storytelling mastery. From politics and oil to culture and lifestyle, his bylines have shaped the narrative of modern Teso. He’s also the founder of Benjie Management, helping young talents turn dreams into hits, and is spearheading the Kide Excellence Awards and Kide Cultural Festival.

Dude isn’t dumb, he has visited white boards as well, lets take chance to unleash to you his Academics & Training record: Certificates & Diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism (Kampala International University), trainings in Digital Skills, Productivity, Interpersonal, Professional & Entrepreneurial Skills (Senegal/OIE/Microsoft/SynapseU), Fake News & Disinformation (RFI/French Embassy Uganda), Financial Literacy (ICPAU).

On achievements, we are sure to defend the statement we made, ‘he’s seen more days than his age,’ the Kolir man has;

• • 10 years in journalism with Chimpreports and Kampala Sqoop among other platforms.

  • PR campaign wizardry at Fireworks Advertising (handled Airtel Uganda, TotalEnergies EP, MasterCard Foundation, Movit, aBi, Glovo and BCW Africa among others).

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  • Conceptualized Airtel Chillax Bundles PR launch—44 stories, AVE Ushs 59M, recognized among top 5 Uganda campaigns in 2021 among other regional and global campaigns.

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  • Interviewed international artists (Morgan Heritage, Tiwa Savage, Angelique Kidjo, Major Lazer, Chris Lang, Diamond Platnumz) and political heavyweights (Museveni, Bobi Wine, Jimmy Akena, Rebecca Kadaga, Jessica Alupo). Why Teso Should Watch: Emuk doesn’t just report, he curates culture, amplifies youth, and builds platforms. Teso is about to see a new breed of leader who blends politics, media, arts, and entrepreneurship with unrelenting style. Bukedea, you are lucky, you asked and God just answered with Emuk Benjamen, ‘Alakunan.’

3. Ekoom Stephen – The Strategist

Ekoom Stephen, he calls himself Russian trained, and that’s what he now goes by in public. Russian trained slogan has made his peers fear him, thinking he is indeed Russian trained, But wait, is he really Russian Trained? and if yes, what has he been trained in? Well, the 35 year jokes a lot sometimes, non the less, he is a force to reckon with, he is a star to light the youth, he has zero-flex room for failure and excuse is not in his veranda, he only trains young people to succeed, to achieve their goals whilst respecting and not over lapping other people’s territories.

If you have heart failure or any other related illness, don’t try Ekoom on social Media, you will only be going to your grave, he is not harmful though, he kicks ass when provoked but he likes young people and wants to see them develop.

Ekoom is currently an NRM Scribe, formerly NUP MP Aspirant, Bukedea County. Why He Shines: Ekoom is political strategy personified. From FDC youth mobilizer to NUP diaspora organizer, now fully active under NRM, he’s the master of campaign mechanics and grassroots conversion.

Away from social media jokes, the Apopong ‘Boy’ is learned, he is the kind our ancestors would give to sip on ‘Ajon’ saying (Ecobe boo eeen) literally meaning this one is sharp, he is brains Ut. Lets look at his Academics: BA Development Studies, Makerere University; currently MBA student at Houghton University, USA.

Now this is the real beat i guess you all been waiting for, i mean his achievements, yeah! lets go!

• • Sponsored multiple electoral wins for NUP and allied independents.

  • Orchestrated peaceful campaigns in Teso while countering propaganda with humor and facts.

  • Founder & CEO of The Farmers Guide Uganda Ltd, revolutionizing agriculture with solar dryers, irrigation, greenhouses, and extension services. Why Teso Should Watch: Ekoom is a catalyst for transformation, bridging local governance with global exposure. When he speaks, strategy listens.

4. Mercy Alupo Marion – The Challenger

Alupo, Alupo, Alupo, how many times have we called her? By the Way, some one answer this question, who dares challenge Speaker of Parliament? Well, the answer lies in you, i mean you the reader but in case you don’t have one, Alupo can tell you on TV or better still on Radio, the lady can speak, she doesn’t abuse but she speaks volumes in terms of her manifesto, what needs to be worked on, improved and enhanced and she she believes she is the only person to tackle those issues affecting the people of Bukedea District.

So, you now have your answer! This lady is ideal, she’s got award winning mobilization skills, she is a real force to reckon with. Alupo is the NUP Woman MP Aspirant, Bukedea District.

Alupo for sure, Shines, because she is youth-rooted, fearless, and fiercely democratic, challenging high-profile incumbents with a laser focus on security, service delivery, and youth empowerment.

Lets dig up her Background: Former FDC youth treasurer, Kyambogo University Guild Prime Minister, Teso Students Association leader. Focus Areas: Law and order, education, roads, healthcare, youth empowerment, teenage pregnancy prevention.

Why Teso Should Watch: She’s a whirlwind of energy and principle, refusing “sole candidate” politics and demanding accountability.

5. Okoit Lo Aanyu (George Okoit) – The Voice

Okoit, Boy ohh Boy! Okoit is fire, he spits only flames, he is a razor, We are talking about the Soroti City West Division Councillor Aspirant.

Okoit doesn’t miss the list of stronghold firebrands who are shaping the politics of Teso and Uganda at large. The no-nonsense star surely shines due to the fact that, he is, a comedian-meets-politician hybrid, Okoit commands attention with humor, street smarts, and no-nonsense political commentary.

A look at the Highlights: Okoit has gone absolutely viral with grassroots campaigns with slogans like “No Cow No Vote” and “40 Years of Lies,” leveraging YouTube and social media for impact.

So, should he be a must watch star? Well, Teso Should Watch Okoit because, ‘Okooke’ Aanyu is raw, relatable, and relentlessly vocal, an entertainer who turned his mic into a megaphone for change. Please don’t argue, he has proof, at least he can defend himself even at UN level!

6. Hussein Ibra – The Youth Vanguard

We call him the ‘Vanguard.’ Ibra is Eastern Youth MP Aspirant.

Ibra shines because he, champions youth-led change, giving voice to a generation eager to step into leadership and demand inclusion.

Why Teso Should Watch: Youth empowerment is his arena; he’s a force reshaping political imagination in Teso.

7. Omaria Emmanuel – The Mobilizer

Omaria is not on this list for nothing, Omaria, a young tribalizer, is an active Youth Advocate in Teso and beyond. We can authoritatively say that Omaria is energy incarnate, rallying support for youth leaders and bridging grassroots initiatives with political strategy.

Why Teso Should Watch: He is the spark behind the next generation of leaders, ensuring youth voices don’t just echo, they roar.

8. Betty Ikalany – The Empowerer

Betty Ikalany is a renowned and young vibrant leader, she is the Founder & CEO, TEWDI. Why she is a shinning star in Teso: Betty is a champion of women and clean energy, turning grassroots projects into sustainable livelihoods.

Why Teso Should Watch: She proves empowerment is not just a slogan, it’s a movement, especially for rural women.

9. Joyce Akello – The Agripreneur

So, this is it, Akello is a stanch Youth Leader in Teso and beyond.

Akello is surely candid and we believe she Shines: Joyce harnesses ginger farming to transform youth economies, proving agribusiness is the ultimate power move. Why Teso Should Watch: She is the blueprint for practical economic innovation in the region.

10. Stellah Nakirijja – The Innovator

Nakirijja is a co-founder, Enerforte Uganda Ltd.

So, why do we say she shines? Well, Nakirijja is an inventor of a solar-powered tick detector, Stellah bridges science, technology, and agriculture with panache. Why Teso Should Watch: She is proof that innovation and agriculture can dance together, and Teso’s future is bright with minds like hers.

Note that some of the big political wigs like Hon Among Annet Anita, Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, Hon. Jessica Alupo, Vice President of Uganda, Gen. Jeje Odongo, Elder Joseph Arion Odea (JAO) and Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, Governor of Bank of Uganda are not in this piece, but Teso highly recognizes them for their tremendous support and contribution to the region and Country as a whole, rather, they are not just for Bukedea but National icons.

This is part 1 of Teso’s top tier young emerging leaders and trendsetters, call them tribalizers in different sectors, watch out for episode 2! We sign out.