On 21st September 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uganda joins the global community in commemorating International Day of Day under the theme "Cultivating a Culture of Peace." This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace; a significant milestone reflecting the United Nation’s commitment to partnering with Governments, institutions, and communities, to address the underlying factors that challenge social cohesion and disrupt peace. A culture of peace is a proactive endeavour, demanding collective societal action to remove barriers to holistic human development and pre-empt any form of social tension.

The United Nations' New Agenda for Peace underscores the importance of national action to reinforce key principles including trust between individuals, communities, institutions, and their structures; solidarity in tackling common challenges that hinder prosperity and affect people and the planet; and an unwavering commitment to the universal promise of leaving no one behind.

A culture of peace encompasses the creation of conditions that allow individuals and communities to flourish in harmony and dignity. It involves establishing institutions that promote sustainable development, uphold human rights, and foster social justice. It is characterized by freedom from fear and want, the construction of effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions that uphold the rule of law, and the cultivation of resilience to withstand various shocks, whether from conflict, natural disasters, or other crises. Central to this vision is inclusive development that reduces inequalities and ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities for all, particularly marginalized and vulnerable populations.

Sustaining a culture of peace spans across UNDP's interlinked programmatic pillars in Uganda, namely: transformational and inclusive governance, inclusive and sustainable growth, and the sustainable management of natural resources. Through its Country Programme 2021-2025, UNDP has collaborated with the Government and people of Uganda, contributing to the nation's aspiration to transform into a modern and prosperous country by 2040. This involves reinforcing the foundations of peace to unlock developmental opportunities, working alongside government institutions, the private sector, civil society, traditional and cultural leaders, academic institutions, and global development partners on this solidarity journey toward Uganda’s Vision 2040.

A notable initiative this year is the partnership with the Nnabagereka Development Foundation to launch the Obuntubulamu Programme. This initiative promotes values such as integrity, transparency, justice, civic engagement, shared responsibility, and proactive leadership principles that are crucial for sustaining peace and development in a world grappling with complex crises. The urgency of embodying these principles at all levels of society has never been more apparent. These principles should guide our efforts to ensure a dignified, safer, and more compassionate future for all.

In response to the challenges in Karamoja, UNDP has supported various peace initiatives through projects like "Promoting Socio-Economic Development and Peace in Africa’s Borderlands" and "Building Resilience in Conflict-Affected Communities of Karamoja". The recent Karamoja Cultural Festival in Karenga, which brought together elders, youth, women, and local leaders from the Ateker cluster tribes of Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, celebrated Karamojong culture and provided a platform for dialogue on promoting culture, peacebuilding, and development. This fostered an enabling environment for peace and security in the region.

Building on the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Uganda and Kenya, UNDP has contributed to development programming in Karamoja. This includes supporting Government strategies aimed at enhancing social cohesion and peaceful coexistence through dialogue, improving livelihoods via cash-for-work initiatives, and enhancing agricultural and water resources.

UNDP also remains committed to supporting Uganda’s refugee response. Through the Uganda Host and Refugee Community Empowerment Project, UNDP has enhanced resilience-building initiatives in the refugee-hosting communities of Obongi, Lamwo, and Adjumani. These efforts encompass livelihood support, food security initiatives, market construction, and environmental protection, benefiting both refugees and host communities in alignment with Uganda’s globally acclaimed comprehensive refugee response policy framework.

In collaboration with the Judiciary of Uganda and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, UNDP is promoting homegrown solutions for dispute resolution. Initiatives such as advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, facilitating dialogue spaces, organizing Court Open Days, and digitizing judicial processes ensure that a broad spectrum of measures are available to address disputes and grievances effectively at all levels of society. Additionally, these efforts are pivotal in enhancing access and administration justice and strengthening the rule of law, which are foundational to peace and development in Uganda.

Youth employment is another priority. UNDP has embarked on various initiatives aimed to tackle youth unemployment and foster self-reliance through support for innovation hubs at Makerere University, Kabale University, and the National ICT Innovation Hub. The Youth4Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Facility, along with partnerships with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to support youth skilling, have nurtured entrepreneurship and South-South exchange opportunities. Leadership training in partnership with the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre and Makerere University has also been rolled out to empower women and youth to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development, recognizing them as pivotal agents of peace and development as highlighted in the UN Security Council Resolution 2250.

The foregoing, therefore, demonstrates that a culture of peace is a collective commitment, which requires continuous efforts to rebuild trust among society members, promote the fulfilment of fundamental human rights, and ensure a healthy environment. It also involves recognizing the interdependencies between cultures of peace across countries, a vital aspect we must continue to contribute to. As we commemorate International Day of Peace 2024, UNDP reaffirms its dedication to supporting the Government of Uganda’s agenda for peace and development. Together, we strive to achieve a peaceful, prosperous, and modern Uganda in line with Vision 2040 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor
UNDP Resident Representative