Makerere University Rotary Peace Center

The Makerere University Rotary Peace Centre (@MakerereRotary ) has marked its 10th Capstone Conference under the theme “Collaborative Peace Building for Societal Transformation,” celebrating a decade of nurturing peace leaders across the globe. The conference featured the graduation of 16 fellows from Cohort 10, who completed two-and-a-half months of intensive face-to-face training at @MakerereRotary before undertaking field research focused on specific peace-building initiatives. The event also welcomed 17 incoming fellows of Cohort 12, highlighting the continued growth of the programme. Over the past ten years, the partnership between @Makerere and @Rotary has produced peace-building professionals from 52 countries, strengthening efforts to address conflict and promote sustainable development worldwide. Prof. Hellen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Head of the @MakerereRotary Rotary Peace Centre and Principal @MakerereCHUSS , reflected on the Centre's journey, particularly its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. She recalled how the advisory board made the bold decision to continue receiving fellows in 2021 despite the uncertainties created by global lockdowns. Academic Registrar Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi emphasized that peace is essential for human dignity and sustainable development. He described the Capstone Conference as a demonstration of @Makerere's commitment to transforming knowledge into practical solutions that benefit society. “Peace building is a collective endeavor. None of us singularly can really promote and even deliver peace,” Prof. Mukadasi said. “We should move beyond talking about peace as an essential ingredient to transform society, but indeed to see that it happens.”