In a bold step towards fostering sustainable peace, MIFUMI conducted a three-day training titled “Youth and Women Empowerment in Leadership for Peace building” which was held in Northern Uganda and West Nile, bringing together youth leaders, women’s advocates, educators, and peace builders. Organized under the Peace Building Project-MMM, the initiative aimed to dismantle systemic barriers and equip participants with the tools to lead conflict resolution efforts in their communities.
A Vision for Inclusive Leadership.
The training, facilitated by seasoned peace building experts Immaculate, Beatrice, and Lucy, drew inspiration from global frameworks like the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security, and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). “Women and youth are the backbone of Uganda’s peace and development,” remarked one facilitator. “Yet their voices are often sidelined. This project seeks to change that narrative.”
Highlights from the Ground.
A parallel event, “Taming Youth & Women in Leadership for Peace building,” held on 23rd–24th June in Gulu, saw participants from districts like Amuru, Nwoya, Omoro, and Lamwo collaborate on innovative conflict-resolution strategies. Organized under the broader peace project, the workshop emphasized nonviolent approaches to community disputes. Partners such as ARLPI (Omoro), Living Wellness (CAPACITAR), RACT (Amuru), and JPD (Lamwo) played pivotal roles in identifying and mobilizing attendees.
From Theory to Action.
Participants engaged in dynamic sessions, including “How to Handle Matters in Society” and action-plan development to address local conflicts. One attendee shared, “We learned to turn grievances into solutions like scripting plays to dramatize and resolve disputes.” The inclusion of creative arts underscored the training’s holistic approach, blending education with cultural expression.
A Call to Sustain Momentum.
The project’s success lies in its ripple effect: empowering grassroots leaders to become ambassadors of peace. As Northern Uganda continues to heal from past conflicts, initiatives like these are critical in shaping a future where women and youth are not just participants but architects of peace.
“When we invest in the leadership of women and youth, we invest in lasting peace,” concluded a community organizer. The challenge now is to scale these efforts ensuring no community is left behind.
The Peace Building Project-MMM is a grassroots initiative dedicated to empowering marginalized groups through leadership training, conflict resolution, and advocacy aligned with global sustainability goals.
Veronica Akello
Digital Legal Officer
MIFUMI