There are many things we as civil society, peace and justice, peace building, human rights, education, community, relief and development and grassroots organizations can do to help build peace in Uganda and help to alleviate the extreme suffering of millions of mostly women and children affected by the war. By addressing the root causes and helping to end this war, we are also working to end child soldiering in Uganda, since the continuation of this war and child soldiering go hand in hand.
The following areas are points of consideration and action to help support peace and justice in Uganda:
1. Support Uganda, regional and international initiatives which build trust between all segments of society in Uganda. Generations of colonial and post colonial divide and rule tactics, and the use of violence by one group against another created a sense of fear and anger between different segments of Uganda society. Building trust and understanding is an essential aspect of reconciling Uganda society and ending conflict, including this conflict in Northern Uganda, once and for all.
2. Support initiatives which build a national identity. Most people in Uganda identify with their ethnic group or region first, and as a citizen of Uganda second. Helping to foster a “We are all Ugandans” atmosphere will help to build trust and unity in Uganda society.
3. Support initiatives which build on the strengths of Uganda society. Despite all Uganda has been through since the colonial era, and the violence of post-colonial regimes, Uganda society has many strengths. As a whole, people in Uganda are hard working. Uganda is also a kinship based society, and extended, surrogate and care-giving family life is strong and nurturing. Uganda is a caring, compassionate society. Culturally, many segments of society in Uganda believe in reconciliation, and no segment of society opposes reconciliation. Uganda society is highly educated, formally in many sectors, and through cultural, indigenous, experiential and practical knowledge in other sectors. Uganda society is rich in culture, both deep and surface culture, and despite all Uganda has been through, Uganda is a resilient society.
4. Support initiatives which bring people together and do not condemn one side or the other. Condemning the Government of Uganda, for instance, is counter productive and does not lead to building a peaceful, reconciled, trusting society. Encouraging the Government of Uganda to initiate, participate in and support endeavors which build trust and reconcile society are helpful ways to work with the Government of Uganda. Helping to support the positive achievements of the Government, such as with progressive and cutting edge HIV/AIDs policies and programs, is an example of common ground areas peace builders and justice advocates can relate to and work with the Government. Engaging in dialogue with the government, and supporting local and national government economic development and community building programs is another constructive way to work with the Government. In other words, building positive, honest relationship with local and national government officials, and making contributions to positive government programs can help to build friendship and understanding between international friends and the Government. This will, in both the short and long term, help to build a peaceful and just Uganda.
5. Advocate for and contribute to the urgent humanitarian needs in Northern Uganda, mostly in IDP camps but also other resettlement communities. This includes the need for food and food supplements beyond what the World Food Program is providing; the need for fresh and adequate supplies of water; the need for medical and health care, sanitation and hygiene supplies; the need for counseling and clinical support; vocational and entrepreneurship training and projects; education programs; HIV/AIDS programs, family planning and women’s reproductive health services; rehabilitation centers which focus on the psycho-social needs of former child soldiers, former abductees, women and all people who have been affected by the war; peace building programs, conflict resolution training, arts and culture programs, sports and recreation programs, income generating activities. The ways to do this include supporting grassroots organizations, national programs and international NGO’s and agencies which are providing these services. Others ways to help includes joining volunteer organizations which are working in Northern Uganda to make a difference, such as Medicines Sans Frontier (MSF), and other “Without Borders” groups helping local communities in Uganda invite them to help (Engineers Without Borders, for instance, and others).
6. Understand the role violence has played in the colonial and post colonial history of Uganda, including this current war in Northern Uganda, and support organizations, projects and initiatives which foster non violence through learning and practice. This includes non violent tools to address, resolve and manage conflict without resorting to violence, such as conflict resolution, mediation, and traditional reconciliation. Support peace building initiatives which utilize non violent strategies, tactics and conflict resolution tools.
7. Support peace building initiatives which bring all members of Uganda society into the peace building and humanitarian needs of the Acholi community in Uganda. It is good for international organizations to help Uganda end this war and ameliorate the humanitarian crisis. It is critical that all of Uganda society as a whole contribute to peace building and humanitarian needs as well. This will help to reconcile, build trust and bring healing to all segments of society.
8. Profile the war, child soldiering and condition of IDP camps internationally, engaging international and regional forums (such as the Africa Union and United Nations), government officials and structures throughout the world, religious, NGO, community and communications/media organizations to devote urgent attention and contribution to the peace building and humanitarian needs in Uganda.
9. Bring the same level of compassion, caring and energy to the people affected by war in Northern Uganda as the world community has brought to the people affected by the tsunami in Asia.
10. Support efforts to alleviate the Uganda economy from unnecessary burdens, such as external debt. A disproportionate percentage of Uganda’s revenue is devoted to paying multilateral debt to major Western international financial institutions, depriving the Government of Uganda and Uganda society from benefiting fully from Uganda’s progressive HIV/AIDS programs, education system and growing economy.
11. Visit Uganda. Visit grassroots and other initiatives which are addressing health, education, vocational training, humanitarian and peace building needs. Partner with schools, grassroots organizations and communities. Patronize Uganda’s tourist industry and enjoy Uganda’s natural beauty. Learn from Ugandan society on your visit how the regional and international community can help contribute to improving Uganda society, ending the war and addressing humanitarian needs.
For more information, visit other sections on our site that provide information about peace building, development and human rights, campaigns, reports and news sources.
