Makerere University Rotary Peace Center

The freshest cohort of peace fellows, Cohort 7 from Makerere University as awareded by Rotary International president Stephanie Urchick, EdD and now Rotarian, Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe #MUKCapstone

Today, cohort 9 fellows had Dr Eria Serwajja lead the discussion on the link between livelihoods and sustainable development. Sustainable development ensures long-term resource availability, supporting secure livelihoods. Livelihoods, in turn, drive economic growth and social development, contributing to sustainable development by promoting equitable access to resources and reducing poverty.

This morning, Dr. Eria Serwajja guided the Cohort 9 fellows through the effects of climate change on conflict escalation in Africa. Climate change significantly impacts conflict escalation in the region, acting as a "threat multiplier" by intensifying traditional causes of conflict. These causes include droughts, floods, and shifting rainfall patterns, which reduce the availability of water and arable land. Climate-induced displacement forces people to migrate to new areas, increasing resource competition and straining social cohesion in host communities. It also worsens the existing socioeconomic challenges like poverty and unemployment, creating fertile ground for conflict. Dr. Eria Serwajja later spoke on African Models for Environmental Sustainability and Peacebuilding. These models are increasingly recognized as essential frameworks for addressing the continent's unique challenges. They integrate ecological responsibility with social stability, fostering resilience in communities affected by climate change and resource scarcity. Later in the afternoon, Dr. Paul MUKWAYA taught about individuals’ ecological and carbon footprints. The ecological footprint measures the area of productive land necessary to support an individual's consumption and waste, reflecting overall environmental impact. The carbon footprint specifically assesses greenhouse gas emissions, expressed in CO2 equivalents, which highlights contributions to climate change. Both metrics guide sustainability efforts by quantifying environmental pressures.

Cohort 9 fellows have spent the day with Dr. Eria Serwajja studying Natural Resources and Conflicts in Africa. Natural resources play a significant role in conflicts throughout Africa, affecting both local communities and regional stability. Resources like oil, minerals, land, and water often ignite conflicts due to disputes over ownership, control, and management. These disputes can result in violence, instability, and economic disruption, as evidenced in countries such as Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. The "resource curse" phenomenon, where abundant resources intensify corruption and violence, further complicates the issue. Effective governance and management of these resources are essential to mitigate conflicts and promote sustainable development.

All the learning and education that Cohort 9 is undergoing got a lot more intense last Friday. It was a busy day with the fellows finalizing their Social Change Initiatives (SCIs) proposals and consulting their mentors for further guidance. The mentorship team was an elite all-star assembly led by Assoc. Prof Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Dr. Charlotte Mafumbo Karungi, Dr. Umar Serunjogi, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya and Dr. Eria Serwajja.

Yesterday was truly amazing. The Cohort 9 fellows engaged in two types of games to enhance their learning.    The fellows participated in a marshmallow game that challenged them to apply the different pillars of peace to case studies and create projects based on the 8 pillars of peace in media, civil society organizations, and higher education institutions. Additionally, they participated in a yarn game that demonstrated the interconnectedness of the pillars of peace.    We also had Serge STROOBANTS, Director for Europe and the MENA region at the Institute for Economics & Peace, share insights on the Global Terrorism Index. The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) is an annual report published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) that evaluates the impact of terrorism worldwide. The GTI ranks countries based on their levels of terrorist activity, utilizing a composite score that reflects various factors related to terrorism. The GTI aims to provide insights into global terrorism trends and inform policy responses. Analyzing data over time helps researchers and policymakers understand the evolving nature of terrorism and its socio-economic consequences.   

The 9th Cohort has continued its learning from various personnel at the Institute for Economics & Peace. Patricia Garcia AO, the Institute's Partnerships Development Manager, gave a presentation on partnerships. Partnerships in peacebuilding involve collaborations among diverse actors to resolve conflicts and establish sustainable peace within societies. These partnerships recognize that lasting solutions to societal problems require the involvement and collaboration of those most affected by conflict, integrating varied perspectives to end violence and promote enduring peace. Dr. David Hammond, Director of Research at the Institute, spoke extensively about the Positive Peace Index. The Positive Peace Index (PPI) is a comprehensive measure developed by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) to evaluate the factors that contribute to peaceful societies. It is based on the concept of Positive Peace, which refers to the attitudes, institutions, and structures that nurture and sustain peace within communities. The PPI consists of eight pillars, each comprising three indicators, for a total of 24 indicators. These pillars are derived from extensive statistical analysis of over 24,700 data series and surveys correlated with internal peacefulness as measured by the Global Peace Index (GPI). Later in the day, Arinolah Omollo and Dr. Dan Noel Odaba analyzed the Positive Peace Index for each country represented by the fellows and the tools of Positive Peace concerning the fellows' SCIs. 

Yesterday, Arinolah Omollo and Dr. Dan Noel Odaba introduced Cohort 9 fellows to the Institute for Economics & Peace. The Institute conducts extensive research to quantify the economic value of peace and its benefits, employing a framework known as the Pillars of Positive Peace.   The fellows were later introduced to Positive Peace Activation in Africa. Positive Peace is being activated in Africa through various programs and initiatives. Rotary International and the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) have partnered to utilize data-driven methodologies to enhance efforts in peace and conflict resolution. A perfect example of this is the progress in West and Central Africa. Plans are underway for Positive Peace Activator Cohorts in West and North Africa. In Cameroon, Positive Peace Activator Divine Njamsi NDZI is working to integrate Positive Peace into the curriculum of Yaoundé International Business School and is offering learning programs through the Young African Leaders Initiative network.

As we celebrate Archbishop Janani Luwum, we remember his stance that effective peacebuilding strategies often include mechanisms of justice to address grievances, foster reconciliation, and prevent the recurrence of violence.

Dr. William Tayebwa was back in action today with Cohort 9. He taught about the media's role in propagating hate rhetoric. Both traditional and social media significantly contribute to this propagation. The implications are profound, influencing public attitudes and behaviors toward marginalized groups while presenting challenges for regulation and ethical journalism. Later in the morning, the fellows attended a digital storytelling session by Edward Tumwine focused on peacebuilding. Digital storytelling has emerged as a powerful tool in this field, promoting communication, empathy, and understanding among diverse communities. This approach utilizes personal narratives to encourage dialogue and healing in conflict-affected areas.