Hundreds Participate in Rotary Peace Walk

Hundreds of people on Saturday gathered at Makerere University to take part in a peace walk. 

The Walk started from Makerere University’s Freedom Square and took a route around the institution, and back to the freedom square. 

It was flagged off by the Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick, who was accompanied by the University Vice Chancellor, Barnabas Nawangwe, Rotary International Director Nominee, Emmanuel Katongole, Rotary District Governor 9213, Anne Nkutu, District Governor 9214, Agnes Batengas, among other Rotary officials.

“I am ready to walk. Thank you for being here, you have decided today to do a peace action. Walking for peace today is your commitment to make sure that peace is possible and I thank you for that. I am here to make sure that we get to the start line, enjoy the walk, and remember that you are helping to make peace possible. You are peace builders today,” said the Rotary International President.

Nawangwe commended the walkers saying that there is no better place and time to have the walk than the institution.

Makerere University hosts the Rotary Peace Center which is the first in Africa. Currently, Rotary has seven peace centers in various locations around the world and these centers train change-makers devoted to peace-building, conflict prevention, and transformation.

The Peace Walk follows the Friday Peace Symposium at the University, where a group of students graduated from the Rotary Peace Center.

According to Urchick, the peace fellows who completed their training at Makerere University are among the 1800 or more graduates who are going around the world and creating remarkable programs that are changing the world because they are creating essential ways for peace to permeate society.

Prior to the flagging of the Peace Walk, Rotarians recognized the arrival of a peace walker from the Rotary Club of Akright City, Shaka Mbanda, who walked 300 kilometers from Nakivale to Makerere University. He was received by the Rotary International President, Urchick at 9:25 am.

The walkers also started the day with aerobics that lasted for over one hour. After the aerobics, Uganda Bikers Association entertained the revelers with a race, as well as the skaters.

Urchick, the second woman to serve as president of Rotary International, arrived in Uganda on Sunday night for a week-long visit aimed at showcasing and deepening the organization’s impact in the country.

Uganda's visit is part of Urchick’s African Magic Tour 2025, which will cover five countries where Rotary, one of the world’s largest service organizations, is making an enormous impact.

Urchick's arrival in Uganda, marks the first stop of her journey, which will also take her to Kenya, Senegal, Tunisia, and Egypt before her return to Evanston, USA, Rotary Headquarters on January 27, 2025. With the 2024-2025 Rotary International Theme, "The Magic of Rotary," President Stephanie’s visit aims to celebrate the transformative power of Rotary while highlighting the critical role of partnerships in advancing peace, education, healthcare, and community development.