Kampala, (UG):- The Vice President Maj Rtd Jessica Alupo, has called upon the youth to remain at the centre of the peace process, not as passive beneficiaries but as active champions of peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
H.E Alupo says Uganda’s journey towards peace has been hard-fought, commending the leadership of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government saying people are now enjoying the fruits of stability, unity, security and economic progress.
The message was contained in a speech delivered by the minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Betty Amongi on the occasion of the inaugural Pathways to Peace at the Youth Convention on Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), youth, peace and Security held on Wednesday 2nd October at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communication Technology in Nakawa, Kampala.
The VP added that from the days of conflict and instability, Uganda has emerged as a beacon of peace, recognized globally for its peaceful transformation under President Yoweri Museveni. “This peace did not come by accident; it is the result of a deliberate commitment to tolerance, non-violence, and inclusive governance,” H.E Alupo said.
“And today, we must ensure that the youth remain at the centre of this peace process, not as passive beneficiaries but as active champions of peace, tolerance, and coexistence,” she added.
“As we look ahead to the upcoming elections, it is crucial to remember that the youth hold the key to shaping Uganda’s future. They are not only the largest demographic but also the most dynamic, energetic, and innovative group in our society.”
The VP stressed that the role of youth in championing peace and fostering coexistence cannot be overstated and that the inaugural convention sets the stage for the youth to take up their rightful place as leaders and peace builders, shaping a future where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and where every Ugandan, regardless of background or belief, can coexist in harmony.
She added that Africa, as a continent, is at a crossroads where the aspirations of its young people must be met with opportunities for growth, employment, and economic participation.
According to Alupo, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an unprecedented opportunity for Africa to unlock its economic potential, but for it to succeed, peace and security are paramount.
Speaking at the event, the UNESCO MGIEP International Director Obijiofor Aginam observed that “Peace education emerges as a potent antidote to the widespread violence, both physical, symbolic, structural and epistemological. Such varied forms of violence do not restrict themselves to wars and conflicts only but find expression through unqualified prejudices in the form of racism, casteism, gender discrimination, and many more.”
Considering the historical and contemporary challenges of building peaceful and sustainable societies, Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and ethics become pertinent. Values such as compassion, empathy, tolerance, and mutual respect have become alarmingly urgent to be integrated into a revised approach to peace education.
“UNESCO, through its 2023 revised landmark recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable development, has reaffirmed the role and significance of Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable development in the face of 21st century threats and challenges. At its core, the report argues for empowering learners with the necessary knowledge, values, attitudes, skills, and behaviours to become agents of peace in their communities.”
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