By Mary Lilly Driciru, MSMMC……………………
RSCF-Uganda
Religious sisters are advocating for non-violence and peacebuilding in northern Uganda for sustainable development. The peacebuilding process is the initiative of Pax Christi International Movement in partnership with the Association of Religious in Uganda, (ARU).
The program kicked off in July 2024, after fifteen sisters were trained in Active Non-violence and peacebuilding at ARU Secretariat, Kampala. The fifteen sisters hail from nine different institutes serving in northern Uganda. These include, Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Medical Mission Sisters, Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church, Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate, Gulu, Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, Holy Providence Sisters of Nebbi, Sisters of the Merciful heart of Jesus and Mary Queen of the Apostles, Comboni Missionary Sisters, Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation.
After the week long training on non-violence and peacebuilding, the sisters embarked on the gospel of peace in the ecclesiastical province of Gulu in August, 2024. They reached out to schools, religious and non-religious communities, small Christian as well as parish communities, groups and associations, as well as movements, various institutions including refugee settlements and host communities.
In a bid to create peace at all levels beginning with family, the domestic church, the sisters have trained aforementioned groups on various topics for peace building, among others; active non-violence, conflict prevention and management, violence, trauma healing, resilience and social cohesion, non-violent communication, theories of change and transformational leadership.
The sisters manifested immense impact of the program during the midterm evaluation by the Pax Christi Africa Regional Coordinator, Dieudonne´ Serukabuza. Some of the testimonies include: “We are able to resolve conflict situations in the villages after learning the tactics from Sr. Jane Onzia, through peacebuilding process.” “We are becoming peace champions in our homes as opposed to the previous violent behavioural traits,” some members of Catholic Action Women group testified.
“Since the time sisters introduced active non-violence, we are cautious about words used during group interactions,” one of the youth remarked. “There is positive change in interpersonal relationships,” another beneficiary commended. “The lessons challenge our day to day lifestyles,” two beneficiaries testified in tears!
In Lira Diocese, the Vicar General Fr. Valente Innocent Opio promised to support the sisters in amplifying their voices on Radio Wa, a community Radio of Lira Diocese. Similarly, some Bishops and priests promised to support sisters in their efforts to promote sustainable peace, harmony and consequent development in the region, which would in turn be rolled out into the entire country.
The sisters are enthusiastic and resolved to continue with this peacebuilding initiative in and out of season.
