Wakiso peace project records progress in strengthening community conflict prevention

What the report says

A community-led peacebuilding project in Wakiso District has reported progress in strengthening early warning systems and expanding women’s participation in conflict prevention. According to Nile Post, the update was shared during a review meeting in Kampala that brought together community leaders, civil society groups and government stakeholders to assess the first 11 months of implementation.

The initiative is funded by GIZ and implemented by Paradigm for Social Justice and Development. Asanda Zurah, the organisation’s executive director, said the project is designed to localise the Women, Peace and Security agenda by helping communities spot early signs of conflict and respond before tensions turn violent. She also said the work builds on a District Local Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security that was developed with UN Women support and adopted last year.

The project trained women leaders, youth leaders, other community representatives and government officials as community peace monitors. Their role includes identifying warning signs, sensitising residents on conflict prevention, mediating disputes where possible and referring more serious cases through formal channels. The review examined monitoring visits in Entebbe Municipality, Nansana Municipality, Kyengera Town Council, Bussi Sub-county, Mende Sub-county and Masulita Town Council.

Nile Post reports that stakeholders used the meeting to review the referral system, share lessons and discuss how to strengthen community-based peace efforts. The project is intended to leave behind local capacity that can continue beyond the funding period, which is why the involvement of trusted community figures and women’s meaningful participation was presented as central to its long-term impact.