Rotary Uganda, in collaboration with the Rotary Foundation, officially launched the 4th edition of the Africa Peace Concert, scheduled for January 10, 2025. The hybrid event aims to raise $500,000 to support the sustainability of the Makerere Rotary Peace Centre, which has been a key institution in peacebuilding and conflict resolution since its founding in 2020.
The concert was launched during a press conference held at Makerere University Rotary Peace Center. Presiding over the launch, Past District Governor Mike Sebalu, emphasized the importance of the peace concert in advancing Rotary’s mission of promoting peace. "This concert aligns with Rotary International's broader mission of peace and conflict resolution. It is not just a fundraising event but a platform to unite efforts for lasting peace in Africa," Sebalu remarked.
The Makerere Rotary Peace Centre, the first of its kind in Africa, provides comprehensive training, networking opportunities, and practical experience to leaders from around the world. Annually, up to 151 fully funded fellowships are awarded to individuals who study at Rotary's global peace centres. The Centre at Makerere University has become a crucial hub for training peacebuilders across the continent, with its fellows going on to lead social change initiatives that address key challenges like poverty, education, and youth inclusion.
Joseph Nuwamanya, Chairman of the Africa Peace Concert 2025, highlighted the unique appeal of the event. “Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries. The Africa Peace Concert provides a platform to harness the power of music for peacebuilding efforts. We are looking to raise $500,000 this year, doubling last year's collection of about $235,000,” Nuwamanya said.
The concert, which will feature live performances, is expected to draw a global audience, with both in-person and virtual attendance options. Rotary International President Stephanie A Urchik has confirmed attendance, further underscoring the significance of the event.
Nuwamanya added, "We invite everyone to participate, not only to enjoy the performances but to contribute to a cause that promotes peace on the African continent. With your support, we can ensure that the Makerere Peace Centre continues to foster leaders who are catalysts for peace and conflict resolution."
The 4th Africa Peace Concert promises to be an impactful event, building on the success of previous editions. With attendees from 31 countries in the last hybrid concert, Rotary Uganda hopes to increase its reach and continue making a lasting impact through peace initiatives in Africa.
Tickets for the concert are priced at $100, with proceeds going directly to the Makerere Peace Centre’s endowment fund. The event will feature live music, networking opportunities, and a formal dinner, offering attendees a chance to connect with global peace advocates and contribute to a meaningful cause.
Past District Governor Ken District 9214 Wycliff Mugisha, chair of the organizing committee for the Rotary International President's visit to Uganda, announced that the visit is scheduled from January 7 to 12, 2025. Emphasizing the significance of this event, he stated that it will benefit not only Uganda but the entire African continent under the theme "Healing in a Divided World." He noted the Rotary's commitment to peace and conflict prevention, highlighting that Makerere University is the only host of a peace center in Africa.
Governor Mugisha remarked, “The president’s visit reaffirms Rotary’s mission to see peace in the world,” explaining that the Rotary Foundation invests over five million dollars annually in educating scholars in peace and conflict prevention across its seven global peace centers. He outlined two major events during the President's visit: a peace concert on January 10, aimed at raising funds for the peace center, and a peace walk on January 11 at Makerere University, which will serve as a platform to promote peace among Ugandans and the global community. He encouraged widespread participation, stating, “It is better to contribute than to mourn lack of peace.”
Assoc. Prof. Helen Nkabala, Director of the Rotary Peace Center at Makerere University, spoke about the center’s mission to address both existing and forgotten conflicts, emphasizing the need for a focus on conflict prevention. She pointed out that while global discussions often center on high-profile conflicts like Gaza and Ukraine, many important issues, such as the ongoing crises in Sudan, are overlooked.
Prof. Nkabala stressed the importance of promoting “positive peace,” which encompasses not only the absence of violence but also internal peace within individuals and communities. She noted the center's efforts to foster peace initiatives that extend beyond armed conflict, addressing issues related to refugees, youth, and community integration with wildlife.
Highlighting the center's innovative approach, she explained that the peace fellows program is structured to provide support for a year, focusing on community engagement and sustainability. “When they go back home, they work with Rotary Clubs and their communities, fostering ownership of peace initiatives,” she said. Prof. Nkabala emphasized the importance of contextualizing peace-building methods to suit the specific needs of different communities, thereby ensuring the long-term effectiveness of their initiatives.
