'I have learnt that forgiveness is a pre-requisite for inner peace’, said Mrs Goretti Bukombi, one of the Peace Circle [1] workshop facilitators which was held 13-15 January, 2012 at Bweyogerere - a Kampala suburb in Uganda.
Another participant was able to finally experience peace after many years of bitterness against her husband who abandoned her and her children in their marital home. She said, ‘I had decided to forgive my husband a long time ago. However, each time I hear about forgiveness at such a time as this during the Peace Circle, I remember all the pain I went through raising my children alone and I am reminded about the small hurts that have never fully healed. This workshop is God-sent since my wounds have got a healing massage enabling me to finally let go the hurts and reach for peace.’
The three day workshop brought together 16 women from various backgrounds including the youth. Uganda is a generally peaceful country though ethnic hostilities and economic disenfranchisement are simmering below the surface. This has been shown by the sudden eruption of street protests and violence witnessed on Kampala streets and other streets in up-country towns. Many young people are without jobs and those that have jobs are barely eking out an existence due to the sky-rocketing cost of living in Kampala and its suburbs. In fact, critics say Uganda is a ticking time-bomb if social issues such as unemployment, social disenfranchisement and poverty are not urgently tackled.
It is against this background that the Peace Circle workshop was held. Speaking at the workshop, Allen Ssentogo, a Woman Councillor in Wakiso District said, 'Women must not be afraid to stand out from the crowd and be counted for what they believe in and they must shed the complex that they can’t stand up for their rights,’ said Allen in conclusion of her story. This and other stories brought fresh energy and encouragement to the participants. Strategies were laid for reaching out to the communities they live in. Another Peace Circle workshop is being planned to be held in Hoima, western Uganda.
The peace circle / workshop was facilitated by Rachel Ajiambo with support from the FRITS PHILIP FUND