The President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, today visited the Makerere University Rotary Peace Centre, where he engaged with Rotary Peace Fellows and scholars, highlighting the critical role of youth leadership in advancing peace and conflict resolution across the region.
The visit formed part of his official tour of Uganda and underscored Rotary’s global commitment to promoting peace as a cornerstone for sustainable development.
At the Centre, President Arezzo toured ongoing projects led by peace scholars, gaining insight into innovative, community-driven approaches to conflict prevention, mediation, and social cohesion.
The projects, many of which are implemented at grassroots level, reflect the practical application of skills acquired through Rotary’s peace education programs.
In his remarks, President Arezzo commended the strong presence of Rotaract leadership within the peacebuilding space, noting that young leaders are increasingly taking the lead in shaping conversations around peace and development.
“It is inspiring to see Rotaractors at the forefront of peacebuilding. This is exactly how Rotary ensures continuity, relevance, and impact for generations to come,” he said.
He further emphasized the importance of Rotary Peace Centres globally, describing them as strategic investments in building a network of skilled leaders equipped to address some of the world’s most complex challenges.
“Peace is not an abstract concept. It is built through knowledge, dialogue, and action. Rotary Peace Centres are designed to equip leaders with the tools to transform communities and create lasting solutions,” he added.
The Makerere University Rotary Peace Centre is part of a global network of Rotary Peace Centres established to train professionals in peace and development studies.
The Centre plays a vital role in advancing peacebuilding efforts across Africa by nurturing leaders who are actively engaged in conflict resolution, policy development, and community transformation.
The event was hosted by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, and attended by key Rotary leaders, including Rotary International Director-Elect Emmanuel Katongole, Rotary Foundation Trustee Francis Tusubira, and Past Rotary Foundation Trustee Gata Maneke.
In his remarks, Professor Nawangwe reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence and community impact, noting that the partnership with Rotary continues to position Makerere as a hub for leadership and innovation in peacebuilding.
Rotary leaders present emphasized that investing in peace education is essential for long-term stability and development, particularly in regions facing social and economic challenges.
As President Arezzo continues his visit, the engagement at Makerere University highlighted Rotary’s strategic focus on empowering young leaders and strengthening institutions that drive sustainable peace.
The visit reaffirmed that through education, collaboration, and youth leadership, Rotary is building a more peaceful and resilient future.