By Spy Uganda
Fort Portal: The leaders from 10 local governments in Rwenzori region convened for Kasunga XI Leaders’ Retreat at Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Fort Portal Tourism City, under the theme, “Transformative Leadership for Peaceful Regional Development.”
The two-day retreat, which commenced on 21 November 2024, was organized by Kabarole Research and Resource Centre (KRC-Uganda) in collaboration with Creations Forum Afrika (CAF) and The Women’s International Peace Centre (WIPC), with support from USAID, focused on fostering a peaceful election process ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
Discussions at the retreat that attracted over 150 participants revolved around key issues such as ensuring free and fair elections, managing voter expectations, mitigating electoral violence and empowering youth and women in the electoral process.
The leaders emphasized the role of both formal and informal mechanisms, including cultural and religious institutions, in promoting peaceful elections and co-existence.
The delegates resolved to address several pressing challenges in the region, including food insecurity, land conflicts and youth unemployment, which they acknowledged could be exploited by political candidates to incite violence during elections.
They also committed to advancing mindset change initiatives, banning fundraising activities in churches during election campaigns and promoting sustainable food production practices to curb voter manipulation.
A significant outcome of the retreat was the leaders’ collective pledge to act as agents of peace throughout the 2026 election cycle highlighting the importance of collaboration between local governments, civil society organizations, religious institutions and the Electoral Commission to ensure transparent and violence-free elections.
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The delegates also called for reforms to Uganda’s electoral system, including the adoption of a proportional representation model to reduce unhealthy competition and post-election tensions.
The Kasunga XI retreat further highlighted the importance of involving young people as peacebuilders.
Leaders committed to empowering the youth through training, income-generating activities, and fostering their participation in electoral processes to reduce their vulnerability to political manipulation.
The retreat concluded with leaders reaffirming their dedication to promoting democratic values and transformative leadership for a peaceful and prosperous Rwenzori region.
The retreat was attended by representatives and leaders from Rwenzori region districts including; Kabarole, Bunyangabu, Kasese, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa and Fort Portal tourist city.
The Kasunga retreat, which has been held annually since 2006, serves as a significant platform for dialogue among leaders from diverse political, religious and cultural backgrounds.
The retreat aimed at providing a space for reflecting on regional development goals and actively working towards solutions for peace and sustainable growth.
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