THE OBSERVER Monday, September 21 - 22, 2015 17...
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16 THE OBSERVER | Monday, September 21 - 22, 2015 17 THE OBSERVER | Monday, September 21 - 22, 2015 THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE T oday, Uganda joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of Peace (IDoP). The Day seeks to reinforce Government’s commitment to uphold and sustain peace in the country and the region at large, while working with different stakeholders. The International Day of peace was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981 for commemorating and strengthening the principles of peace within and among all nations and people. Twenty years later, the UN General Assembly gazetted 21 st September as the annual International Day of Peace. It is a day to recognize the efforts of those who have worked so hard to end conflict and promote peace; it’s also a day of ceasefire globally. In Uganda, the peace day will attract actors from various sources with the Government of Uganda taking a central stage, in partnership with the UN and Civil Society fraternity. The International theme for 2015 is: Partnerships for Peace-Dignity for All. Peace building and conflict prevention is a shared responsibility. We all have a role to play to promote peace in our families, communities, country, region and the world at large and we need to join hands in so doing for better coordination and synergies. Involvement of the private sector is critical as well. Without peace in the country, their businesses cannot thrive and of course not forgetting losses they can make in case of destruction to infrastructure and their investments. With peace in the country, we can all live in dignity without violation of human rights and with better access to resources, services and sustainable development. In Uganda, most of the 20 years of independence period since 1962 were largely characterized by political instability, bloodletting and civil wars. The period of the 1970s and 1980s was characterized by political strife, economic mismanagement and armed conflicts that left the country devastated, with much of its infrastructure destroyed. Similarly, violent conflicts resulted into displacement of millions of people, loss of thousands of lives, violation of human rights, destruction of property and social fabric, coupled with limited and stifled economic growth. Even today, Uganda faces a number of potential conflicts which are rooted in historical divides along ethnic, religious, political and economic lines. Conflict can reverse development gains and deepen poverty. However, since the 1990s, Uganda has moved from an unenviable two- decade history of decline and trauma to reconstruction and development. With the coming into power of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in 1986, there have been deliberate efforts on the part of the Government to rebuild the country that had almost become a collapsed state shattered by authoritarianism, state brutality and economic mismanagement. What remains a challenge for Uganda now is consolidating and scaling up the gains of peace in most parts of the country and socio-economic progress witnessed under the NRM leadership. Learning from Uganda’s past mistakes, Government came up with a number of strategies to address conflict and promote stability in Uganda. Interventions/strategies Government and partners have undertaken to promote peace in Uganda 1. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of war Ravaged Regions 2. Promoting Reconciliation and Peace Building 3. Establishment of the Amnesty Commission and the Amnesty Law 4. Promoting Regional Balance in development for war ravages regions through implementing programmes like; PRDP, KALIP, KIDP, LRDP, Restocking, among others. 5. Diversifying Uganda’s Economy from Agriculture and Natural Resource Dependency 6. Establishment and upholding Democratic Governance and Rule of Law 7. Establishment of a robust disaster preparedness and manageemnt system, i.e. the National Emergency Coordination and Operations Centre for early warning and timely response to disasters. 8. Establishment of the National Platform for Peace Building and Conclfit Prevention for coordination of all players. 9. Establishment of an Effective Border Control System to Stop Illegal Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons. 10. Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Sports has also recognised 21st Sept. Of every year as a day of Peace during which all schools iun the country will be advised to teach and educate students on the issues of peace through activities like games, music, dance and drammer, etc. Development of the National Policy for Peace Building and Conflict Prevention. In order to promote sustainable peace in Uganda and address the country’s long history of violent protracted conflicts that have caused misery and suffering to many Ugandans, Government through Office of the Prime Minister is fast tracking the process of developing the Peace Policy. The policy will create a framework for detecting, preventing, mitigating, managing and provides for wider participation of citizens in conflict resolution, transformation and peace building. These structures will run from the grassroots to national level and will facilitate a more robust early warning system. The Policy will enable Government and other stakeholders to define conflict issues in a more concrete and holistic manner categorized by their nature, interests, dynamics and drivers. Gratitude to partners like DANIDA/ DGF, UNICEF, UNDP, Mercy Corps and others that are supporting the process of developing the above policy. Conclusion Government of Uganda is committed to embrace peaceful approaches to resolving conflict as the nation begins a long journey to a sustainable and a prosperous Uganda guided by Vision 2040. In the same spirit, Government calls upon all Ugandans and all partners for increased participation in the Peace Agenda and to ensure non-violent campaigns and elections in light of this year’s Theme, “Partnerships for Peace- Dignity for All”. Development partners and the International community should support all initiatives and processes aimed at promoting conflict prevention, sustainable peace and development. For God and My Country Partnerships for Peace-Dignity for All. MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE Eng. Hillary Onek, Minister For Relief, Disaster Preparedness And Refugees THE BEAUTIFUL GAME BRING REFUGEES AND UGANDANS TOGETHER IN ADJUMANI DISTRICT, NORTHERN UGANDA A s we celebrate International Day of Peace in Uganda, which has enjoyed sustained peace in all parts of the country for a long time, let us remember people in other parts of the world who are suffering from conflicts. Let us remember our neighbours particularly the people of Burundi many of whom have fled their country as refugees to different countries including Uganda. As we celebrate Peace, let us not take it for granted. Let us remember the turbulent history that the country has endured, and let us all work towards ensuring that we never return to those dark days. I salute the Government of Uganda for being a good neighbour and accommodating refugees affected by conflict in the region. Uganda now has the highest number of refugees in its history, close to 485,000 refugees and asylum seekers mostly from South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and more recently Burundi (- 15,000 refugees hosted in Kisoro, Kamwenge, Bundibugyo and Kyegegwa in Western Uganda). The Government through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is playing the leading role in coordinating the humanitarian response for these refugees through assistance provided by the United Nations agencies including United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR); United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund UNFPA), World Food Programme (WFP) and World Health Organization (WHO). The UN is supporting with shelter, clean water, food, health care services, child protection with emphasis on children, women and vulnerable groups. I salute the Government of Uganda for its leading role in promoting lasting peace in the Great Lakes region through the Inter- Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union. I salute the Government of Uganda for the peace keeping role in Somalia. The sacrifices made shall not be in vain. May the souls of the soldiers who were recently killed in Somalia rest in eternal peace. In June, President Museveni launched the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF 2016 -2020), through which the United Nations in Uganda will support the government’s National Development Plan 2015/2016 to 2019/2020 (NDPII). A key component of the UN’s support to the Government of Uganda over the next five years will be in the promotion of Peace, Security and Resilience. Last month President Museveni launched The Elders Forum Uganda (TEFU) comprising of eminent Ugandan elders. TEFU is supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and are key stakeholders involved in peacebuilding work in the country. TEFU will act as a mechanism for conflict prevention around the 2015-2016 elections cycles in the immediate and to respond to broader societal issues as they may arise. Relatedly, UNDP is also supporting the National Consultative Forum (NCF) comprised of political parties in Parliament and the Inter Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU). Indeed this year’s Peace Day theme, “Partnerships for Peace - Dignity for All” is a reflection of the work that the United Nations in Uganda is supporting on Peacebuilding. In a matter of days, leaders from across the globe will gather at the United Nations to adopt the 2030 agenda, a 15-year plan to achieve sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: ‘Transforming Our World,’ sets forth “a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity” and “seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom.” This is fundamental to ushering in a life of dignity for all, where poverty is history and peace is paramount. The Government of Uganda has already led the way globally in integrating the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of The 2030 Agenda into the National Development Plan. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has on numerous occasions said, ‘there can be no peace without development … no development without peace … and neither can be achieved without full respect for human rights and the rule of law. He adds, that ‘Development and peace are two sides of the same coin.’ I therefore call upon all stakeholders in peacebuilding including civil society, private sector, and members of the general public particularly the youth who are the future, to join the Government in realizing the aspirations of The 2030 Agenda and working towards lasting peace in Uganda. Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda SEPTEMBER 21 DECLARED DAY OF LEARNING AND TEACHING ABOUT PEACE IN ALL SCHOOLS IN UGANDA T he beautiful game bring refugees and Ugandans together in Adjumani district, Northern Uganda Under the rasping Adjumani sun, a small crowd cheers as the ball goes flying through the make-shift goals. The excitement in the air amongst players and spectators alike is palpable as Mungula FC, made up of South Sudanese refugees living in Adjumani District, Northern Uganda, edge closer towards the tournament quarter-finals, hosted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Danish Refugee Council. The teams are made up of both refugees and Ugandan nationals, each united by their passion for the beautiful game. Any differences that were felt before the game melt away as the players focus their energies on scoring the goal that could take them and their team mates to the next round. After the games, both sides come together to shake hands and congratulate each other on a well fought contest. This enhancing of peaceful co-existence is invaluable in an area where South Sudanese refugees of various different ethnic origins live together side by side, along with their Ugandan hosts. The tournament is a great example of what a catalyst for integration football, and sport in general, can be. It can help to counter- act psycho-social problems refugees may have developed as a result of the traumas they faced as they fled their homes. The positive impact sports can make to physical fitness and mental wellbeing can be a vital contribution to physical and emotional development. The players can also take inspiration from a certain Saido Berahino, currently causing waves for West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League. The striker was forced to flee Burundi when he was just a child, but hasn’t looked back since and is tipped to soon make his first international appearance for England, his country of asylum. “Football really helped me a lot and can help anyone if they really love it and they’ve gone through a lot,” said Berahino. “When you’re away from your home country and you come to a new environment, with new people, it helps you to connect because football is universal.” By Charlie Yaxley – UNHCR External Relations Officer The referee address Mungula FC before the start of the game to ensure the players understand the importance of fair play. ©Emmalu/DRC Adjumani Former Burundi refugee Saido Berahino looks to the skies as he celebrates scoring a goal for his club West Bromwich Albion in the English Premier League. ©West Bromwich Albion FC U NICEF and the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Sports (MoESTS) have declared 21 September as a Day of Learning and Teaching about Peace in all Schools in Uganda. Every 21 September, the world comes together to observe the International Day of Peace. In Uganda, celebrations and events across the country will be held to promote ideals of peace. This year, schools across Uganda are celebrating “Learning for Peace” through class learning, debates, Music, Dance and Drama (MDD) performances, presentations, and sports. Sustainable Development Goal 16 is dedicated to the promotion of just, peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, the provision of access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels. At UNICEF, education is perceived as a crucial entry point towards achieving this goal. Equity, quality, and inclusive education can serve as a powerful tool for building peace in the community. To promote education for peace, UNICEF, through the Peacebuilding, Education and Advocacy (PBEA) Programme, has worked extensively with the Government of Uganda to develop a national Peacebuilding Policy, especially towards strengthening its inclusivity of women, children, and youth. A key contribution that UNICEF made was to gather youth voices on conflict through U-report – an SMS-based program that engages children and youth on issues that matter to them. Through U-report, UNICEF shared youth’s concerns regarding conflict in their communities with Members of Parliament working on the policy. By Eun-Young Jeong Education Officer UNICEF UN JOINT STATEMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE ADVERT ADVERT
Transcript of THE OBSERVER Monday, September 21 - 22, 2015 17...
16 THE OBSERVER | Monday, September 21 - 22, 2015 17THE OBSERVER | Monday, September 21 - 22, 2015
THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Today, Uganda joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of Peace (IDoP). The Day seeks to reinforce Government’s
commitment to uphold and sustain peace in the country and the region at large, while working with different stakeholders.
The International Day of peace was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981 for commemorating and strengthening the principles of peace within and among all nations and people. Twenty years later, the UN General Assembly gazetted 21st
September as the annual International Day of Peace. It is a day to recognize the efforts of those who have worked so hard to end conflict and promote peace; it’s also a day of ceasefire globally. In Uganda, the peace day will attract actors from various sources with the Government of Uganda taking a central stage, in partnership with the UN and Civil Society fraternity.
The International theme for 2015 is: Partnerships for Peace-Dignity for All.Peace building and conflict prevention is a shared responsibility. We all have a role to play to promote peace in our families, communities, country, region and the world at large and we need to join hands in so doing for better coordination and synergies. Involvement of the private sector is critical as well. Without peace in the country, their businesses cannot thrive and of course not forgetting losses they can make in case of destruction to infrastructure and their investments. With peace in the country, we can all live in dignity without violation of human rights and with better access to resources, services and sustainable development.
In Uganda, most of the 20 years of independence period since 1962 were largely characterized by political instability, bloodletting and civil wars. The period of the 1970s and 1980s was characterized by political strife, economic mismanagement and armed conflicts that left the country devastated, with much of its infrastructure destroyed. Similarly, violent conflicts resulted into displacement of millions of people, loss of thousands of lives, violation of human
rights, destruction of property and social fabric, coupled with limited and stifled economic growth. Even today, Uganda faces a number of potential conflicts which are rooted in historical divides along ethnic, religious, political and economic lines. Conflict can reverse development gains and deepen poverty.
However, since the 1990s, Uganda has moved from an unenviable two-decade history of decline and trauma to reconstruction and development. With the coming into power of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in 1986, there have been deliberate efforts on the part of the Government to rebuild the country that had almost become a collapsed state shattered by authoritarianism, state brutality and economic mismanagement. What remains a challenge for Uganda now is consolidating and scaling up the gains of peace in most parts of the country and socio-economic progress witnessed under the NRM leadership.
Learning from Uganda’s past mistakes, Government came up with a number of strategies to address conflict and promote stability in Uganda.
Interventions/strategies Government and partners have undertaken to promote peace in Uganda1. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of
war Ravaged Regions
2. Promoting Reconciliation and Peace Building
3. Establishment of the Amnesty Commission and the Amnesty Law
4. Promoting Regional Balance in
development for war ravages regions through implementing programmes like; PRDP, KALIP, KIDP, LRDP, Restocking, among others.
5. Diversifying Uganda’s Economy from Agriculture and Natural Resource Dependency
6. Establishment and upholding Democratic Governance and Rule of Law
7. Establishment of a robust disaster preparedness and manageemnt system, i.e. the National Emergency Coordination and Operations Centre for early warning and timely response to disasters.
8. Establishment of the National Platform for Peace Building and Conclfit Prevention for coordination of all players.
9. Establishment of an Effective Border Control System to Stop Illegal Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
10. Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Sports has also recognised 21st Sept. Of every year as a day of Peace during which all schools iun the country will be advised to teach and educate students on the issues of peace through activities like games, music, dance and drammer, etc.
Development of the National Policy for Peace Building and Conflict Prevention.In order to promote sustainable peace in Uganda and address the country’s long history of violent protracted conflicts that have caused misery and suffering
to many Ugandans, Government through Office of the Prime Minister is fast tracking the process of developing the Peace Policy. The policy will create a framework for detecting, preventing, mitigating, managing and provides for wider participation of citizens in conflict resolution, transformation and peace building. These structures will run from the grassroots to national level and will facilitate a more robust early warning system. The Policy will enable Government and other stakeholders to define conflict issues in a more concrete and holistic manner categorized by their nature, interests, dynamics and drivers.
Gratitude to partners like DANIDA/DGF, UNICEF, UNDP, Mercy Corps and others that are supporting the process of developing the above policy.
ConclusionGovernment of Uganda is committed to embrace peaceful approaches to resolving conflict as the nation begins a long journey to a sustainable and a prosperous Uganda guided by Vision 2040. In the same spirit, Government calls upon all Ugandans and all partners for increased participation in the Peace Agenda and to ensure non-violent campaigns and elections in light of this year’s Theme, “Partnerships for Peace-Dignity for All”. Development partners and the International community should support all initiatives and processes aimed at promoting conflict prevention, sustainable peace and development.
For God and My Country
Partnerships for Peace-Dignity for All.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Eng. Hillary Onek, Minister For Relief, Disaster Preparedness And Refugees
THE BEAUTIFUL GAME BRING REFUGEES AND UGANDANS TOGETHER IN ADJUMANI DISTRICT, NORTHERN UGANDA
As we celebrate International Day of Peace in Uganda, which has enjoyed sustained peace in all parts of the country for a long time, let
us remember people in other parts of the world who are suffering from conflicts. Let us remember our neighbours particularly the people of Burundi many of whom have fled their country as refugees to different countries including Uganda.
As we celebrate Peace, let us not take it for granted. Let us remember the turbulent history that the country has endured, and let us all work towards ensuring that we never return to those dark days.
I salute the Government of Uganda for being a good neighbour and accommodating refugees affected by conflict in the region. Uganda now has the highest number of refugees in its history, close to 485,000 refugees and asylum seekers mostly from South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and more recently Burundi (- 15,000 refugees hosted in Kisoro, Kamwenge, Bundibugyo and Kyegegwa in Western Uganda).
The Government through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is playing the leading role in coordinating the humanitarian response for
these refugees through assistance provided by the United Nations agencies including United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR); United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund UNFPA), World Food Programme (WFP) and World Health Organization (WHO). The UN is supporting with shelter, clean water, food, health care services, child protection with emphasis on children, women and vulnerable groups.
I salute the Government of Uganda for its leading role in promoting lasting peace in the Great Lakes region through the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union. I salute the Government of Uganda for the peace keeping role in Somalia. The sacrifices made shall not be in vain. May the souls of the soldiers who were recently killed in Somalia rest in eternal peace.
In June, President Museveni launched the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF 2016 -2020), through which the United Nations in Uganda will support the government’s National Development Plan 2015/2016 to 2019/2020 (NDPII). A key component of the UN’s support to the Government of Uganda over the next five years will be in the promotion of Peace, Security and Resilience.
Last month President Museveni launched The Elders Forum Uganda (TEFU) comprising of eminent Ugandan elders. TEFU is supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and are key stakeholders involved in peacebuilding work in the country. TEFU will act as a mechanism for conflict prevention
around the 2015-2016 elections cycles in the immediate and to respond to broader societal issues as they may arise. Relatedly, UNDP is also supporting the National Consultative Forum (NCF) comprised of political parties in Parliament and the Inter Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU).
Indeed this year’s Peace Day theme, “Partnerships for Peace - Dignity for All” is a reflection of the work that the United Nations in Uganda is supporting on Peacebuilding.
In a matter of days, leaders from across the globe will gather at the United Nations to adopt the 2030 agenda, a 15-year plan to achieve sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: ‘Transforming Our World,’ sets forth “a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity” and “seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom.” This is fundamental to ushering in a life of
dignity for all, where poverty is history and peace is paramount.
The Government of Uganda has already led the way globally in integrating the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of The 2030 Agenda into the National Development Plan.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has on numerous occasions said, ‘there can be no peace without development … no development without peace … and neither can be achieved without full respect for human rights and the rule of law. He adds, that ‘Development and peace are two sides of the same coin.’
I therefore call upon all stakeholders in peacebuilding including civil society, private sector, and members of the general public particularly the youth who are the future, to join the Government in realizing the aspirations of The 2030 Agenda and working towards lasting peace in Uganda.
Ahunna Eziakonwa-OnochieUN Resident Coordinator in Uganda
SEPTEMBER 21 DECLARED DAY OF LEARNING AND TEACHING ABOUT PEACE IN ALL SCHOOLS IN UGANDAThe beautiful game bring refugees
and Ugandans together in Adjumani district, Northern Uganda
Under the rasping Adjumani sun, a small crowd cheers as the ball goes flying through the make-shift goals. The excitement in the air amongst players and spectators alike is palpable as Mungula FC, made up of South Sudanese refugees living in Adjumani District, Northern Uganda, edge closer towards the tournament quarter-finals, hosted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Danish Refugee Council.
The teams are made up of both refugees and Ugandan nationals, each united by their passion for the beautiful game. Any differences that were felt before the game melt away as the players focus their energies on scoring the goal that could take them and their team mates
to the next round. After the games, both sides come together to shake hands and congratulate each other on a well fought contest.
This enhancing of peaceful co-existence is invaluable in an area where South Sudanese refugees of various different ethnic origins live together side by side, along with their Ugandan hosts. The tournament is a great example of what a catalyst for integration football, and sport in general, can be. It can help to counter-act psycho-social problems refugees may have developed as a result of the traumas they faced as they fled their homes. The positive impact sports can make to physical fitness and mental wellbeing can be a vital contribution to physical and emotional development.
The players can also take inspiration from a certain Saido Berahino, currently causing waves for West Bromwich Albion
in the Premier League. The striker was forced to flee Burundi when he was just a child, but hasn’t looked back since and is tipped to soon make his first international appearance for England, his country of asylum.
“Football really helped me a lot and can help anyone if they really love it and they’ve gone through a lot,” said Berahino. “When you’re away from your home country and you come to a new environment, with new people, it
helps you to connect because football is universal.”
By Charlie Yaxley – UNHCR External Relations Officer
The referee address Mungula FC before the start of the game to ensure the players understand the importance of fair play. ©Emmalu/DRC Adjumani
Former Burundi refugee Saido Berahino looks to the skies as he celebrates scoring a goal for his club West Bromwich Albion in the English Premier League. ©West Bromwich Albion FC
UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Sports (MoESTS) have
declared 21 September as a Day of Learning and Teaching about Peace in all Schools in Uganda.
Every 21 September, the world comes together to observe the International Day of Peace. In Uganda, celebrations and events across the country will be held to promote ideals of peace. This year, schools across Uganda are celebrating “Learning for Peace” through class learning, debates, Music, Dance and Drama (MDD) performances, presentations, and sports.
S u s t a i n a b l e Development Goal 16 is dedicated to the promotion of just, peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable d e v e l o p m e n t ,
the provision of access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels. At UNICEF, education is perceived as a crucial entry point towards achieving this goal. Equity, quality, and inclusive education can serve as a powerful tool for building peace in the community.
To promote education for peace, UNICEF, through the Peacebuilding,
Education and Advocacy (PBEA) Programme, has worked extensively with the Government of Uganda to develop a national Peacebuilding Policy, especially towards strengthening its inclusivity of women, children, and youth. A key contribution that UNICEF made was to gather youth voices on conflict through U-report – an SMS-based program that engages children and youth on issues that matter to them. Through U-report, UNICEF shared youth’s concerns regarding conflict in their communities with Members of Parliament working on the policy.
By Eun-Young Jeong Education Officer UNICEF
UN JOINT STATEMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
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