Ten students from Makerere University are undertaking a residential peace building training at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja.

The three day training started on 28^th October and will end on 31^th October. It is purposed to empower the trainees to use radio positively to promote new conflict transformation models, highlight success in peace building and reconciliation and also integrate diverse voices in the discussion of triggers and structural causes of conflict, including women’s perspectives and youth issues.

This project is an initiative of United States Agency International development (USAID) and Supporting Access to Justice, Fostering Equity and Peace (SAFE) as part of their holistic approach to peace building and transformation in Uganda.

According to Ivan Lukanda who coordinated the program at Makerere University, this program was initially aimed at skilling the current forth year class but because of course work and other class activities, it was transferred to the pioneer fourth year class who are set to graduate in January next year.

Others participating in the project are ten students each from Uganda Christian University (UCU), Kampala International University (KIU) and ten other practicing journalists from other media houses.

USAID-SAFE awarded grants to two media institutions; Uganda Radio Network (URN) and the Northern Uganda media Club (NUMEC), to implement a peace messaging and communication strategy that promotes sensitive journalism in targets districts of Uganda.

URN is currently mentoring six radio stations while \NUMEC is mentoring six.

The former Makerere students benefiting from this program are Jane Ndibarekera, Hindu Nabulumba, Juliet Nabagereka, Jackie Nangobi and Fosca Tumushabe.

The others are Annet Namirimu, Moses Kyeyune, Fredrik Magogo, George Bush Ocen and Brenda Maloker.

“The students were selected on the basis of expression of interest. We posted online and those who responded to the call, had the opportunity,” Lukanda said.