Kampala Hosts Sudanese Voices on International Peace Day: Children and Youth Inspire Hope
In Kampala, Sudanese children, youth, and civil society came together to celebrate International Peace Day, sending a profound message: peace is a journey, not a slogan. Through art, dialogue, and workshops, young voices expressed hope for a safe, democratic, and inclusive Sudan. From refugee settlements to city halls, participants emphasized healing from war, fostering unity, and empowering communities-reminding the world that Sudan’s future depends on collective action, resilience, and dialogue.
September 26, 2024
9In the heart of Kampala, Uganda, halls and venues were filled with colors of hope and messages of unity, as Sudanese communities and civil society organizations came together to celebrate the International Day of Peace.
Supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and DT Global, the events carried the theme “Peace for All”. Yet, the deeper message came from the voices of children, refugees, and young people who declared that Sudan deserves a safe and peaceful future.
The celebrations began on September 17 with a special Children’s Day, where the African Organization in Kampala was transformed into a space of joy and creativity. Children expressed their dreams through drawings and games, while also receiving psychosocial support. The day sent a powerful message: peace begins in childhood, with hearts untainted by hatred and division.
On September 18, young men and women, alongside women’s groups, gathered in open “discussion corners.” They spoke boldly about how to restore Sudan’s democratic civilian path, tackle tribal conflicts, and counter hate speech.
Their conversations, though informal, were profound-producing practical ideas that revealed their deep thirst for genuine peace, one built on action rather than empty words.
September 19 featured a dedicated forum on the Geneva peace negotiations and the impacts of war. Civil society leaders and activists, including Tariq Muhaisi and Abdel Majeed Saleh, shared their perspectives, while Rawya Kamal-a female delegate to the Geneva talks-spoke about her experience.
She emphasized that despite the challenges, there is no alternative to dialogue and negotiation if Sudan is to become free of weapons and conflict.
At the Aspec Hotel in Kampala, 30 young participants joined a two-day interactive peacebuilding workshop. They explored the roots of conflict, learned tools for analysis, and discovered that active listening and finding common ground can often be more powerful than any weapon.
The celebrations reached their peak on September 20 with a closing ceremony that brought together Sudanese men and women alongside international guests. The event featured a musical performance by Peace Ambassador Asim Al-Tayeb Qurashi, theatrical shows, and a screening of the film “Reef Psalms.” While the art reflected the pain of displacement and war, it also radiated hope that Sudan will rise again, stronger and more peaceful.
The message of peace also traveled beyond Kampala. On September 22–23, activities were held at Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement in Bweyale District, home to over 20,000 refugees of various nationalities.
The program, organized with Sudanese refugees, local camp authorities, and the Youth Union, provided psychosocial support and promoted peace among Sudanese children, youth, and women-helping them heal from war’s traumas and strengthening their resilience.
The celebrations concluded with a meeting between Sudanese civil society representatives and a delegation from USAID and DT Global. Both sides exchanged appreciation and reaffirmed their commitment to work together. The USAID delegation expressed strong support for the Sudanese people, highlighting the efforts of U.S. Special Envoy Tom Perriello to end the war and return Sudan to its democratic civilian path.
From children’s laughter to youth-led discussions, from women’s voices to art and music, the International Peace Day celebrations in Uganda carried one united message: peace is not a slogan, but a journey—and Sudan’s future must be peaceful, democratic, and inclusive.
