By Richard Onapatum
In a bid to promote peace and stability in Uganda, the Women’s International Peace Centre, in partnership with USAID Uganda, has launched the Ugandans for Peace Activity. This four-year project aims to prevent and mitigate political violence, build social cohesion, and promote peace in Uganda.
The inception meeting, held at Toto Maria Hall in Kotido District, brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the project’s objectives and the current electoral process context. Lotukei William, representing the Local Council 5, emphasized the need for peace and unity, urging politicians to put aside their differences.
Lotukei commended Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA) for promoting inclusiveness and gender equality, noting the organization’s exceptional work in the region. He highlighted the importance of involving women in peace-building processes, citing the only female LC3 chairperson from Kathile in Karamoja region.
Ruth Ojambo Ochieng, former Executive Director of the Women Peace Centre, provided an overview of the Women’s Situation Room Uganda. She highlighted its presence in over 30 districts and assured that Kotido will receive a situation room to enhance local capacities for early warning and response.
Judy Kamany, an eminent woman and Project Manager, emphasized capacity building for female and male youth peace monitors. The project aims to involve women and youth networks in promoting peace and stability.
Ajwang Esther Immaculate, District Election Administrator, stressed the importance of continuous voter education and civil education. She cited money as a significant contributor to violence in Kotido District and urged stakeholders to prioritize joint campaigns.
The Ugandans for Peace Activity aligns with the Electoral Commission Act, national action plans on women, peace, and security, and Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.
This initiative is a significant step towards promoting peace and stability in Uganda. By engaging multi-stakeholders at district and national levels, the project seeks to ensure peace before, during, and after elections. Its success will have far-reaching benefits for the country and its people.
In her remarks, Jessica Ruth Ataa, Executive Director of NARWOA, appreciated all stakeholders for attending. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ruth Ojambo Ochieng for mentoring her. “I am happy, I am because of you,” Ataa said, recalling how Ochieng helped her overcome various challenges, including her first plane ride and visit to the White House.
Ataa also highlighted NARWOA’s history with the Women Peace Centre, which they hosted in 2013. “We have welcomed all women to come on board because we are a women-based organization,” she emphasized, attributing her passion for women’s empowerment to Ochieng’s mentorship.
The Assistant Resident District Commissioner Kotido Lokwii Ambrose Peters, in his closing remarks, thanked NARWOA and quoted a Bible verse related to peace. He noted the need to mitigate and respond to election conflicts, citing the correlation between economic growth and politics.
“He noted that election winners often demean and undermine losers, leading to retaliation through violence. Peters also highlighted the vulnerability of the people, saying even those not supposed to be leaders become one. He noted false allegations and smear campaigns by agents, urging the activity to target the community.
“‘There is no good reason you should be used to cause violence,'” Peters said. “‘We are only wasting time fighting each other.'” He pledged to work hand-in-hand during the implementation of the activities.
As Uganda gears up for elections, the Ugandans for Peace Activity shines a beacon of hope for a peaceful and stable future. With collaboration, determination, and a shared vision, the country can overcome the challenges of electoral violence and build a brighter tomorrow.