Is Cultural Revival the Antidote to Youth Moral Decay?
In today’s world, the decline in moral values, particularly among the younger generation, is often pinned on various factors, chief among them being the erosion of cultural traditions and norms, largely attributed to inadequate upbringing. But here's where it gets controversial: Can a cultural festival truly reverse this trend? The Aringa people of Yumbe district, often mistakenly grouped with the Lugbara, are putting this theory to the test.
In a bold initiative to foster discipline and a sense of identity among the youth, a group of educated young individuals in Yumbe, collectively known as the Yumbe Vibe Team, launched the Aringa Cultural Festival in December 2024, with backing from the district’s community development office. This event, now an annual celebration, has become a beacon for the Aringa community, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds. The second edition is slated for Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Unido Club, promising an even grander experience.
Gerald Ejoyi, the central organizing committee’s team leader, assures that preparations are in full swing. “Last year was a learning curve. This time, we’re aiming bigger and better, with a rich array of traditional activities,” he shares. The festivities kick off on December 19, 2025, with a stakeholder dialogue at the District Resource Centre, focusing on strategies to promote Aringa culture and its role in encouraging hard work and discipline.
And this is the part most people miss: The dialogue will also tackle pressing issues like drug abuse and teenage pregnancy, which have reached alarming levels in the district. “Local studies reveal that over 70% of our youth are entangled in drug and substance abuse. We need to chart a path forward,” Ejoyi emphasizes. He further highlights a disturbing statistic: “In 2024, the district health department reported over 6,000 teenage pregnancies in Yumbe.”
The evening of December 19, 2025, will be dedicated to the elders, who will narrate the history of the Aringa people through oral storytelling. “Our goal is to document our heritage so it stands alongside other recognized histories in our nation,” Ejoyi explains. Beyond the dialogue, the festival will feature traditional dances, cooking demonstrations of authentic Aringa cuisine, exhibitions of traditional weaponry and tools, and displays of household items like cooking pots.
Rogers Adriko, the festival’s programs officer, anticipates over 3,000 attendees, with His Royal Highness Adnan Engamule Doka Charaka III as the chief guest. Austin Andemani, Yumbe’s community development officer, confirms that the district has embraced the festival, integrating it into the annual budget.
But here’s the question that lingers: Can a single event, no matter how well-intentioned, truly combat deep-rooted societal issues? Or is it merely a symbolic gesture in a much larger battle? We’d love to hear your thoughts—do cultural festivals like this have the power to shape a generation, or are they just a drop in the ocean? Share your views in the comments below!
