By Immaculate Tusingwire, MMS
The Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) Secretariat hosted the final evaluation of the PAX Christi International Peacebuilding Programme 2023–2026, bringing together partners and delegates from across the region to reflect on the programme’s achievements, lessons learned, challenges and the way forward.
The final evaluation took place on 12 August 2026, with participants from PAX Christi International, including the Co-President, Sr. Dr. Wamuyu, as well as representatives from Uganda, Kenya and Sudan, where the programme was implemented. Participants from DRCongo were unable to travel due to restrictions related to the Ebola situation.
Present also was Fr. Joseph Luyombya OSM, Member of ARU executive and Sr. Jane Yatuha OLGC, ARU Secretary General and other significant guest who had been invited to witness the evaluation.
In Uganda, the programme was implemented in Gulu, Nebbi, Lira and Arua, reaching religious women, young people, women and men through various peacebuilding activities. In DRC, it was implemented by in Bunia, Mahagi-Nyoka and Wamba, in South-Sudan; Juba, Wau, Tombura-Yambio and Rumbek and in Kenya, the programme was implemented in Ngong, Nakuru, Kericho & Kisumu
Empowering Sisters as Peacebuilders
One of the key approaches of the programme was the Training of Trainers (TOT), which served as the first step in building local capacity for peacebuilding. Catholic Sisters from different locations were equipped with knowledge, skills and practical tools in peacebuilding, active nonviolence, trauma healing, conflict management, Nonviolent communication, Transformational Leadership, among other areas.
After completing the TOT training, the sisters, with the support of PAX Christi International, became multipliers of the knowledge and skills they had acquired. They went on to conduct further trainings for other religious women, young people, as well as women and men in their respective communities, schools, and parishes.
The involvement of the sisters demonstrated the important contribution that religious women can make to peacebuilding. Through their presence in communities, pastoral ministry and engagement with vulnerable groups, they are uniquely positioned to promote dialogue, mediation, reconciliation, nonviolence and peaceful coexistence.
Reflecting on Achievements and Lessons Learned
The evaluation provided an opportunity for participants to present reports and share experiences from the different areas where the programme had been implemented. The presentations highlighted the activities undertaken, the people reached, the changes observed, challenges and the lessons learned throughout the three-year programme.
The Africa Regional Coordinator, Mr. Anastase Dieudonné Serukabuza, presented the consolidated findings of the programme evaluation, including the results, outcomes, impact and key lessons emerging from the implementation period. This 3-year programme was executed in 15 dioceses, reached 43,245 peoples in total including 2,852 Religious Sisters from 53 congregations.
His presentation provided an opportunity for participants to reflect critically on what worked well, the challenges encountered and the areas requiring further attention. The discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening local capacities and networks so that peacebuilding initiatives can become increasingly rooted within communities.
The participants also put forward a number of recommendations based on each country’s context and local experiences on the ground, which PCI may consider in its future programme.
The experience affirmed the value of working with religious leaders, women religious, young people and other community actors as agents of peace.
In her address, Sr. Dr. Wamuyu applauded the Sisters who had implemented the programme for their commitment to carrying the burdens of people who are suffering. She encouraged them to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and to remain hopeful, even in the face of challenges.
Looking Ahead: A New Programme for 2026–2029
The evaluation was not only an opportunity to look back but also to look ahead. The Regional Coordinator presented the new PAX Christi International Peacebuilding Programme for 2026–2029.
The new programme will extend peacebuilding efforts to Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Congo and South-Sudan, building on the experiences, achievements and lessons of the 2023–2026 programme.
The continuation of the programme is an encouraging sign that the commitment to peacebuilding in the region remains strong. It also provides an opportunity to consolidate the networks and capacities developed during the first phase while responding to emerging challenges in the region.
Experiencing the Faith and Culture of Uganda
Beyond the formal evaluation sessions, the participants were given an opportunity to experience some of Uganda’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
The delegates visited the Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, an important Catholic pilgrimage site and place of spiritual significance. The visit provided time for prayer, reflection and appreciation of Uganda’s Christian heritage, particularly the witness of the Uganda Martyrs.
The participants also visited Bulange Cultural Heritage, where they had an opportunity to experience Ugandan culture and learn more about the heritage of the Buganda Kingdom. The cultural experience was greatly enjoyed by the visitors and provided a memorable opportunity for intercultural exchange.
A particular highlight was a brief encounter with the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda, during which the participants shared a joyful moment and further appreciated Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.
The commitment remains clear: peacebuilding is not a one-time activity, but a continuing mission that requires commitment, courage, collaboration, dialogue and hope.
