Makerere University Rotary Centre hosted a remarkable Peace Symposium and the 7th Capstone Conference on January 10, 2025, calling on Rotarians and global citizens to champion peace as the foundation for societal transformation. The event underscored peace as a bedrock for human progress and prosperity, with the keynote address delivered by Past Rotary President Geeta Manek. Manek spoke passionately on the theme, "Collaborative Peacebuilding for Societal Transformation," urging attendees to work together in fostering peace as a cornerstone for societal progress.
The event, held at Makerere University’s Main Building, was presided over by Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Attendees included Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, past and present Rotaractors, Rotarians, district governors, peace fellows, sponsors, academic staff, mentors, and advisory board members.
The occasion was particularly special as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Rotary Peace Centre and celebrated the achievements of the 10th cohort. Over the years, the centre has graduated a total of 169 fellows from 46 countries, all of whom have contributed to peace initiatives globally.
The event featured presentations on social change initiatives by the 7th cohort of peace fellows, who shared the impact of their work in fostering peace and resolving conflicts in their respective communities. The ceremony also included the presentation of certificates and the pinning of the new peace fellows.
In a gesture of unity and commitment to global peace, more than 10 University professors, including Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, were inducted into the Rotary Satellite Passport Club. This prestigious honor reflects their dedication to the Rotary’s vision and their commitment to the promotion of peace through education and community engagement.
Rotary International President Urges Peace Builders to Make a Difference One Step at a Time
Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick, emphasized that "it only takes one" to make a difference in peacebuilding. Urchick highlighted the power of individuals to drive societal transformation through peace initiatives.
Reflecting on the history of Rotary International, Urchick noted that it was one person, Arch Klumpf, who proposed the idea for the Rotary Foundation, which would go on to establish the Peace Centers program 25 years ago. She also referenced the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, whose work for peace has had lasting global impact through the Carter Peace Centers.
Urchick clarified that while Rotary is not about negotiating conflicts or brokering peace between warring nations, its mission focuses on prevention. By engaging in projects across Rotary's seven areas of focus, the organization creates the conditions necessary for peace to thrive, she explained.
Addressing the new cohort of Rotary Peace Fellows, Urchick praised their initiatives for societal change, describing them as "remarkable" and "incredible." She reiterated that the peacebuilding work being done by these Fellows around the world has the potential to change societies for the better, urging them to continue their work with passion and commitment.
Urchick also spoke about Rotary’s ongoing efforts to expand its membership, announcing the induction of new members into Rotary, and presented the idea of planting a Peace Pole on Makerere University’s campus as a potential project for the newly inducted Rotary members. The Peace Pole, which displays the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in multiple languages, serves as a visible reminder of Rotary’s commitment to peace.
Concluding her remarks, Urchick shared a quote from former U.S. President Lyndon Johnson: “Peace is a journey of 1,000 miles, and it must be taken one step at a time.” She praised the new cohort for taking those steps, adding that the work they are doing is leaving a lasting legacy for future peacebuilders.
"Peace is a Cornerstone for Human Progress and Prosperity" — Geeta Manek
Peace is a Cornerstone for Human Progress and Prosperity - Geeta Manek’s Keynote Address at the Rotary Peace Symposium
Geeta Manek, a Trustee of the Rotary Foundation, delivered an keynote address message centered around the importance of peace for societal transformation, reflecting on Rotary’s long history of peace-building initiatives and its dedication to creating a more harmonious world.
Manek opened her speech by acknowledging the distinguished presence of Rotary International President Stephanie, director Daniel Tanase, trustee Pauli Joma, and several others, including Rotarians, Rotaractors, and peace fellows. She expressed deep gratitude to Rotary International for its visionary leadership and Makerere University for its unwavering partnership. The event was significant for Manek, who reflected on the journey of establishing the Rotary Peace Center at Macquarie University, a milestone that fills her with pride.
She emphasized that peace is fragile and must be nurtured continuously, starting with each individual. “Peace begins with us,” she declared, adding a warm Swahili greeting to connect with the audience and encourage a shared commitment to peace.
Manek recalled Rotary’s rich history of peace-building, starting with its humble beginnings in 1905 when four people came together to promote cooperation. She highlighted Rotary’s global impact, including the establishment of the Rotary Endowment Fund in 1917, the adoption of the fourth object of Rotary in 1922 promoting international peace, and its role in post-WWII governance. Rotary’s dedication to peace culminated in 1945 when it played a pivotal role in the formation of the United Nations.
She stressed that Rotary’s vision of lasting peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, equality, diversity, and opportunity. The Rotary Peace Center at Macquarie University embodies this vision, serving as a beacon of hope and nurturing future leaders committed to building sustainable peace. Since its inception during the pandemic, the center has trained fellows from diverse countries and professions, equipping them with skills to address the root causes of conflict.
Manek underscored the importance of inclusive peace-building efforts, highlighting the need to involve marginalized groups such as women, youth, and indigenous populations. She also stressed Rotary’s commitment to several focus areas, including promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, and fostering economic growth.
She shared examples of Rotary’s impact, such as its work in eradicating malaria in Zambia, improving maternal and child health in Nigeria, and addressing cervical cancer in Egypt. Manek also pointed out Rotary’s growing emphasis on protecting the environment, noting the pressing threat of climate change, particularly in Africa, and how Rotary’s initiatives help mitigate its effects.
Looking ahead, she announced the opening of a new Rotary Peace Center in Istanbul, Turkey, which will focus on the Middle East and North Africa, furthering Rotary’s global commitment to peace. She emphasized that Rotary’s work is far from complete, urging Rotarians to remain steadfast in their efforts to mitigate inequality, inequity, and division, which continue to fuel conflict.
Manek concluded her speech by calling on Rotarians to lead by example, promoting inclusion, equity, and justice. She urged everyone to continue advocating for peace-building initiatives, empowering marginalized communities, and addressing climate change. “Let us embody the core values of Rotary in our daily lives,” she said, encouraging everyone to contribute their time, talent, and resources to the Rotary Foundation to continue the work of peace.
“Peace begins with us,” she reiterated, reminding the audience that every individual has a role to play in fostering a peaceful future..
Rotarian Vice Chancellor Emphasizes Role of Universities in Peace-Building
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the critical role academic institutions play in fostering peace and societal transformation.
“No institution understands the importance of peace more than an academic institution, because academic institutions are created to spur transformation in society,” Prof. Nawangwe stated. He noted that the absence of peace disrupts academic operations and hinders their transformative impact, citing the closure of universities in Sudan as a current example of the devastating effects of conflict on education and society.
Prof. Nawangwe welcomed President Urchik to Makerere and celebrated the Rotary Peace Center’s achievements, including graduating 169 fellows from 46 countries over 10 cohorts. He acknowledged Rotary’s strategic decision to establish the only Peace Center in Africa at Makerere University, emphasizing its alignment with the university’s mission to address pressing regional challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and conflict resolution.
“Our region is the worst affected by climate change and has the largest number of conflicts per capita in the world. We are therefore obliged to contribute to ensuring that people in this region continue to live in peace through meaningful lives,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
The Vice Chancellor commended the Rotary Peace Fellows for their impactful community projects and urged them to be ambassadors of peace worldwide. He assured them that Makerere University’s doors remain open for further academic pursuits and collaboration.
Prof. Nawangwe also paid tribute to Rotary Districts 9213 and 9214 for their unwavering support in establishing and growing the Rotary Peace Center. “Because of their work, our Rotary Peace Center is now recognized worldwide as a serious and commendable center,” he said, praising the leadership of Prof. Helen Nkabala, Director of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, for advancing the Center’s objectives.
As a gesture of appreciation, Prof. Nawangwe presented President Urchik with a souvenir to commemorate her visit. He concluded by encouraging continued collaboration between Rotary and Makerere University to promote global peace and transformation.
'We Leave Here Not Just as Graduates, But as Torchbearers of Peace, Ready to Transform Conflicts and Build a Better World'- Cohort 7 Peace Fellows’ Representative Rosemary
Rosemary, the representative of Cohort 7 Peace Fellows, warmly welcomed Ms. Stephanie Urchick, Rotary International President, to Uganda and Makerere University. Rosemary's words underscored the significance of the event, commending Ms Urchick for her unwavering dedication to fostering global peace. She expressed deep admiration for Ms. Urchick's leadership, noting that her vision aligns with the values cultivated throughout the fellowship.
"Your exemplary leadership serves as a beacon of hope," Rosemary said, addressing Ms. Urchick. "Your commitment challenges us all to rise as peace leaders in the world."
Reflecting on the fellowship's journey since its inception in February 2024, Rosemary emphasized the transformative nature of the program, which combined virtual learning with in-person engagements to create a dynamic and enriching experience. Over 11 months, fellows participated in extensive training, field visits across Uganda, and group projects, earning internationally recognized certifications along the way.
"Our journey tested our resilience and broadened our understanding of peace and conflict transformation," Rosemary shared, highlighting the diversity within Cohort 7, which brought together individuals from various cultural, professional, and personal backgrounds. The diversity fostered creativity, empathy, and a deeper sense of unity among the fellows, despite the challenges they faced.
Rosemary acknowledged the invaluable support of mentors, lecturers, and field professionals who guided the fellows throughout their journey. She paid special tribute to Professor Helen Nkabala, the visionary director of the Makerere Rotary Peace Centre, for her leadership and encouragement, which profoundly shaped the fellows' development as peacebuilders.
"We are forever grateful for your tireless efforts in nurturing the next generation of peacebuilders," Rosemary said. "Your belief in our potential has left an indelible mark on us."
Additionally, Rosemary expressed heartfelt thanks to Makerere University, the Vice-Chancellor, and Rotary International for their unwavering support and commitment to the success of the fellowship. She acknowledged Rotary's generous investment in their education, which empowered them to become catalysts for change in their communities.
To Cohort 9, the new group embarking on this transformative journey, Rosemary offered words of advice. "Embrace diversity, stay resilient, and engage fully in every experience," she said. "Use the knowledge you gain to make a meaningful difference."
Concluding her speech with a hopeful message, Rosemary reminded her fellow graduates that they are not just completing a program but are now torchbearers of peace. "Together, we have the power to create a ripple effect of positive change, one act of peace at a time," she said.
Her words resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting the shared commitment to global peace and the Fellows' determination to implement their lessons in real-world conflict transformation.
District Governor representing D9213/D9214 Anne Nkutu Delivers Vote of Thanks
Anne Nkutu acknowledged the distinguished guests and participants at the Rotary Peace Centre Symposium at Makerere University.
"Makerere University, and especially the Rotary Peace Centre, you're the third Rotary International President visiting this centre, and I think that tells us how special this centre is to Rotary," she began, setting the tone for a deeply appreciative speech. She expressed gratitude to Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick and the dignitaries accompanying her, noting their pivotal role in supporting the centre's ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
Special recognition was given to Geeta Manek, the keynote speaker, a past district governor and trustee of Rotary International. Nkutu thanked Manek for enlightening the audience about Rotary's crucial role in promoting peace globally.
She also extended her appreciation to the leadership at Makerere University, particularly Vice-Chancellor and Rotarian Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, and the management and staff at Makerere University for being invaluable partners in Rotary’s mission of peacebuilding. "Thank you for hosting us this morning, and thank you for your continued partnership in building peace together," Nkutu said.
Acknowledging the collective efforts that make the Rotary Peace Centre a reality, Nkutu expressed her deep gratitude to the Rotary Peace Fellows, both outgoing alumni and the incoming cohort. Their dedication and initiatives, she emphasized, are the backbone of the centre's success.
"Without you, without the initiatives you're promoting, there would be no peace centre," she remarked. She also thanked the Rotarians, Rotaractors, and new members of the Satellite Passport Club for joining the Rotary family and continuing to uphold the centre's vision.
Nkutu concluded her remarks by thanking the advisory committee, host counsellors, the organizing committee, the media, and all the attendees for their contributions to the event. "Thank you all for being here. Let's continue to promote peace, one peace action at a time," she urged.
Her words reflected the unity and commitment of all involved in advancing peace through collaboration, demonstrating a collective dedication to transforming the world, one step at a time.
By Jane Anyango
Communication officer CHUSS