On October 18, 2024, Makerere University’s Rotary Peace Center held its 6th Capstone Conference, a gathering that celebrated peacebuilding efforts by the 6th cohort of peace fellows. The fellows presented their Social Change Initiative (SCI) reports, showcasing projects aimed at fostering peace in their communities. The event also welcomed the 8th cohort of peace scholars through a pinning ceremony, marking their formal inclusion in the peace fellowship program.
The event attracted prominent figures from the Rotary fraternity, university management, Uganda Prisons, Uganda Police, local government officials, and members of the advisory board, who came together to discuss the importance of peace and collaboration in addressing global challenges.
Vice Chancellor's Remarks: 'Makerere Prides in Internationalization'
The Vice Chancellor, represented by Associate Professor Henry Arinaitwe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration, highlighted Makerere’s legacy of contributing to peace and development across the African continent.
"When you deal with Makerere, you know that you are dealing with the entire Uganda," he stated, emphasizing that the university’s student body is drawn from all regions of the country. He underscored the importance of Makerere's international partnerships, particularly with organizations like Rotary, which foster global collaboration.
"Makerere takes pride in internationalization, which is one of our key pillars," Prof. Arinaitwe noted, acknowledging the university’s extensive network of global partnerships. He also emphasized the impact of seemingly small contributions to peace, saying, "Wherever we are, we make contributions, however small, and those contributions make an impact."
Rotary Peace Center: Expanding Influence and Impact, Assoc. Prof. Helen Nkabala
Associate Professor Hellen Nkabala, Director of the Rotary Peace Center, highlighted the center's progress and its vital role in fostering peace globally.
Nkabala emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving the center's mission. "At the Rotary Peace Center, Makerere University, we work as partners—partners who have determined to stay partners forever," she declared. She acknowledged the support from Rotary members, including Past District Governors and local Rotarians, who have played crucial roles in facilitating the center’s operations.
Nkabala announced that the Rotary Peace Center is now supporting 190 peace fellows from 45 countries, with confirmed participation from Cohort 9 and Cohort 10. "We cannot talk about the Rotary Peace Center without mentioning Past District Governors and Rotarians. We celebrate you," she said, recognizing their contributions to the success of the program.
Reflecting on the history of the center, Nkabala noted that Cohort 6 was the first continental cohort, aimed at testing the waters for a broader regional approach. "We did it just to test. If we did just the continent, what would happen? That did not mean that we did not like others; we had had the others in the other cohorts," she stated.
Nkabala took a moment to celebrate the dedication and efforts of the program's supporters. "Governor was our very first area host coordinator, and you made life easy for us," she remarked, referencing the collaborative spirit among the Rotary community. She expressed gratitude to the Uganda Police Force for their unwavering support, saying, “We don't only partner with them here, but wherever we go in the field, they are always there to defend and protect us.”
The speech also recognized the crucial roles played by various stakeholders, including university leadership, local authorities, and Rotarian clubs. "I know that as a college, as a Rotary Peace Centre, we want to pledge and give you our assurance that this cohort eight you see will also graduate just as we see cohort six," Nkabala affirmed, committing to the ongoing success of the peace fellows.
She called upon all partners to continue supporting the center's mission, expressing confidence in the capabilities of the new cohort. "As Makerere, we are ready to receive you," she declared. “We shall continue to do the best of our best as we open all ears to feedback to ensure that we do better than our best.”
District Governor Anne Nkutu Advocates for Conflict Prevention
District Governor Anne Nkutu, who has been intimately involved with the center since its inception, underscored the importance of conflict prevention in today’s complex global landscape.
Nkutu began her address with a personal touch, likening her relationship with the center to that of a proud aunt witnessing the growth of a child. “I have been associated with the Peace Centre since before conception… it gives me such great pride to see how far the Peace Centre has come,” she expressed. She highlighted the center's evolution from a promising idea to a renowned institution, now serving as a model for others globally.
The governor announced an exciting development, revealing plans for the first Rotary Peace Center in Turkey, set to open in February 2025. “Another Peace Centre… in the Middle East is going to be opened. That Peace Centre has benchmarked ours,” she stated, affirming the center's role as a leader in peace education.
Nkutu took the opportunity to congratulate Cohort 6, who are concluding their studies, while warmly welcoming the new Cohort 8. She emphasized the necessity for Rotarians to engage in proactive conflict prevention rather than reactive conflict resolution. “We as Rotarians have determined for ourselves that it is better to prevent conflict than to try and stop it,” she stated, referencing ongoing global conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.
Highlighting the multifaceted nature of conflict, Nkutu called attention to the role of misinformation in escalating tensions. “In the current world that we live in, we know that AI is something that everybody is embracing. But we also know that AI is also fueling misinformation,” she remarked. Nkutu cited a recent incident involving altered footage of a conversation between President Obama and President Biden as an example of how misinformation can distort reality and potentially provoke conflict.
She praised the Peace Fellows for their innovative approaches to tackling issues like misinformation and conflict within challenging environments, such as shared parenting among female inmates. “Thank you for showing the world that conflict is multidimensional and that it starts with small things,” Nkutu said.
In closing, Nkutu reiterated her pride in the fellows and encouraged them to act as ambassadors of peace. “Whenever we talk about building peace, it is you that we are looking at,” she affirmed, urging the fellows to uphold the values of the Rotary Peace Center and work collaboratively to promote peace worldwide.
Past District Governor Mike Sebalu Calls for Support for Upcoming Peaceful Peace Walk in January 2025
In a passionate address, Past District Governor Mike Sebalu rallied Ugandans to participate in a Peaceful Peace Walk scheduled for January 11, 2025, as part of the celebrations honoring the visit of Rotary International President Stefani. Sebalu emphasized the significance of promoting peace and community involvement.
“Rotary does good in the world, and it’s a good thing to do so. Part of this goodness is what we are celebrating this morning,” Sebalu stated, highlighting the organization's commitment to global service.
Sebalu, who introduced himself as a student and practitioner of protocol, acknowledged the presence of the current Rotary District Governor of District 9213, Anne Nkutu. He underscored the importance of her leadership while announcing his role in coordinating the upcoming peace walk.
“With your indulgence, allow me to share an important announcement regarding the peace walk,” he said. He urged attendees to prepare physically and mentally for the event, stating, “We want to have a peaceful peace walk, championing the cause of peace.”
He extended an invitation to the community to actively engage in this initiative, emphasizing the need for participation from peace champions and agents. “How can you have a peace walk without the full participation of the peace center?” he asked, underscoring the collaborative spirit essential for the event's success.
The Peaceful Peace Walk aims to promote peace and unity within the community and will start and end at Makerere University, with details about the route and participation to be confirmed. “Peace Center, please help us coordinate Makerere. We want to ensure a smooth flag-off and conclusion to this significant event,” Sebalu stated.