From 11 to 14 August 2026, Pax Christi International organised the final evaluation of the 2023–2026 Africa Peacebuilding programme in Kampala, Uganda, bringing together partners and delegates from across the region to reflect on the programme’s achievements, lessons learned, challenges and the way forward.

The delegation from Africa was led by Dieudonné Serukabuza, Africa Regional Coordinator of Pax Christi International. The workshop was also attended by one of the Movement’s two Co-Presidents, Sr. Wamuyu Wachira, as well as representatives from Uganda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, where the programme was implemented.

🔹 In Uganda, the programme was implemented by 15 religious sisters in the dioceses of Gulu, Nebbi, Lira and Arua, engaging religious women, young people, women and men through various peacebuilding activities.

🔹 In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the programme was implemented by 12 religious sisters in the dioceses of Bunia, Mahagi-Nyoka and Wamba.

🔹 In South Sudan, the programme was implemented by 10 religious sisters across four dioceses: Juba, Wau, Tombura-Yambio and Rumbek.

🔹 In Kenya, the programme was implemented by 30 religious sisters across the dioceses of Ngong, Nakuru, Kericho and 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 religious sisters from different congregations and locations were equipped with knowledge, skills and practical tools in peacebuilding, active nonviolence, trauma healing, Gospel nonviolence, conflict management, Nonviolent communication, Transformational Leadership, PSEA, 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 participants with an opportunity to present reports and share experiences from the different areas where the programme was implemented. The presentations highlighted the activities carried out, the people reached, the changes observed, the challenges encountered and the lessons learned throughout the three-year implementation period.

Dieudonné Serukabuza presented and commented on the consolidated findings of the programme evaluation, outlining its results, outcomes, impact and the key lessons that emerged throughout the implementation period. Over the three years, the programme was implemented across 15 dioceses and reached a total of 43,245 people, including 2,852 religious sisters from 53 congregations.

His presentation provided participants with an opportunity to critically reflect 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.

Participants also put forward a number of recommendations based on the specific context of each country and their experiences on the ground, which Pax Christi International may consider when developing its future programmes in Africa.

The experience reaffirmed the value of working with religious leaders, women religious, young people and other community actors, recognising them as artisans of peace.

In her address, Sr. Wamuyu Wachira praised the religious sisters who had implemented the programme for their commitment to carrying the burdens of people experiencing suffering and hardship. She encouraged them to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and to remain hopeful, even in the face of the challenges of our time.

Looking ahead: The new 2026-2029 Programme

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 Uganda’s faith and culture

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 prayers, reflection and appreciation of Uganda’s Christian heritage, particularly the witness of the Uganda Martyrs.

The participants also visited the Bulange Cultural Heritage, where they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Ugandan culture and learn more about the historical and cultural heritage of the Buganda Kingdom.

The cultural experience was greatly appreciated by the visitors and provided a meaningful and memorable opportunity for intercultural exchange, through learning about local history and traditions, visiting the King’s Palace and the Royal Parliament, tasting traditional cuisine and enjoying cultural dances.

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.