By Spy Uganda
Fort Portal: The Kabarole Research & Resource Centre-Uganda (KRC-Uganda), in collaboration with Creations Forum Afrika (CAF),supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is set to host the “Kasunga XI” Leaders’ Retreat from November 21st to 22nd, 2024, at the Mountains of the Moon Hotel in Fort Portal City, Uganda.
This annual retreat, under the theme “Transformative Leadership for Peaceful Regional Development,” brings together key stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting regional development, peace, and the upcoming 2026 general elections.
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. It aims to provide a space for reflecting on regional development goals and actively working towards solutions for peace and sustainable growth. This year, the retreat will feature the Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa as the chief guest, underscoring the importance of high-level engagement in shaping the region’s future.
Also, this retreat will bring together around 150 participants, including youth and women council representatives, elders, opinion leaders, government officials, security agencies, members of parliament, private sector actors, and organizations representing people with disabilities. This diverse group will engage in discussions aimed at building consensus and promoting lasting solutions to regional challenges.
With Uganda’s 2026 general elections approaching, the retreat is especially timely. The country is grappling with challenges such as underfunded social services, economic tensions, and political instability. The Kasunga XI retreat will provide a timely opportunity for leaders to address these issues and forge a path toward peaceful, inclusive, and productive elections.
In the Rwenzori region, where previous conflicts have threatened peace, the retreat will specifically focus on conflict drivers such as electoral malpractice, ethnic tensions, and religious disputes, which have historically contributed to unrest.
The retreat will focus on several key areas that directly impact the region’s development and stability:
1. A Free and Fair Election Cycle for a Peaceful Society
With Uganda gearing up for the 2026 general elections, the retreat will delve into strategies to ensure a peaceful electoral process. Participants will discuss the mechanisms for conducting free and fair elections, addressing potential election-related violence, and promoting coexistence. Key topics include the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the electoral process, the importance of managing voter expectations, and the potential for cultural and religious institutions to either unify or divide the electorate.
2. Nutrition and Its Role in Regional Peace and National Development
The retreat will also highlight the urgent need to address malnutrition, including undernutrition, over nutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies, which affect Uganda’s social and economic development. Participants will explore how improved nutrition can contribute to peace and development at the household, community, and regional levels, drawing from KRC-Uganda’s research on food systems and conflict situations.
3. Sustainable and Resilient Cities: Building Unity for Urban Development
As Uganda’s cities continue to grow, the retreat will address how to ensure sustainable urban development that benefits all citizens. Discussions will focus on creating inclusive cities that balance environmental quality with the needs of a growing population, while mitigating the potential for conflict. The concept of “smart cities” and how to ensure they are accessible and resilient to all groups will also be explored.
The Objectives and Expected Outcomes Of This Retreat Include;
- To generate consensus on regional interventions that promote peace and quality leadership in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
- To harness the collective efforts of leaders to encourage sustainable, environmentally friendly development amid growing urbanization and population pressures.
- To address and manage conflict, malnutrition, and stunted growth at the household and community levels.
By the end of the retreat, participants are expected to reach consensus on several fronts:
- A comprehensive strategy for preventing electoral-related conflicts at all stages of the 2026 general election.
- Sustainable approaches to addressing nutritional challenges in urban households and fostering food security.
- A regional communique outlining the retreat’s key resolutions and commitments, along with a signed pledge from political leaders to uphold the principles of free, fair, and peaceful elections.
With Uganda’s 2026 general elections approaching, the retreat is especially timely. The country is grappling with challenges such as underfunded social services, economic tensions, and political instability. The Kasunga XI retreat will provide a timely opportunity for leaders to address these issues and forge a path toward peaceful, inclusive, and productive elections.
In the Rwenzori region, where previous conflicts have threatened peace, the retreat will specifically focus on conflict drivers such as electoral malpractice, ethnic tensions, and religious disputes, which have historically contributed to unrest.
