Uganda has been working towards promoting peace and justice, particularly in regions affected by conflict. Here are some key initiatives contributing to this effort:
Organizations Promoting Justice and Peace
- Justice and Reconciliation Project (JRP): Works towards locally sensitive and sustainable peace in northern Uganda, focusing on transitional justice, peacebuilding, and cultural revival.
- African Center for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS): Recently launched the “Voices of Peace” campaign in Kampala to tackle youth militarization and promote peacebuilding in Sudan.
- World Voices Uganda (WVU): Implements the Deepening Community Access to Justice Project (DCAJP) to close the justice gap for vulnerable populations in rural communities.
- Bridges to Peace Uganda: Aims to prevent and counter violent extremism and terrorism in Uganda, working with communities to build resilience and promote peace.
- Kofi Annan Foundation: Supports initiatives to build peace and trust amongst communities affected by violence, promoting social cohesion and preventing violent extremism.¹ ² ³
Initiatives and Approaches
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Ugandans have practiced forgiveness widely in the aftermath of armed conflict, with 68% of respondents in a study reporting having forgiven their perpetrators. Religious leaders are seen as key promoters of forgiveness.
- Community-Based Peacebuilding: Initiatives like the GIZ Civil Peace Service work with local partners to transform conflicts over natural resources and promote sustainable peace.
- Transitional Justice: Efforts to promote accountability and reconciliation, including trials like that of former LRA Colonel Thomas Kwoyelo, are crucial for sustainable peace and justice.⁴ ⁵ ⁶
Challenges and Opportunities
- Addressing Root Causes: Initiatives focus on addressing underlying issues like poverty, inequality, and lack of access to justice, which can contribute to conflict and instability.
- Promoting Community Engagement: Community-led initiatives and inclusive approaches are essential for building trust and promoting peace.
- Supporting Vulnerable Populations: Targeted support for vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and victims of conflict, is critical for promoting justice and peace.