Peace Is You, Peace Is Me

In a world often torn by division and strife, the message of peace is one that resonates deeply with our shared humanity. Catherine Nayesiga’s poem, "Peace Is You; Peace Is Me", beautifully encapsulates this timeless truth.

As the Communication and Public Relations Team Lead for the Africa Peace Concert 2025, Nayesiga uses her poetic voice to remind us that peace is not an abstract concept far removed from our daily lives.

Instead, it is a living, breathing force that begins within each of us.

Peace is not a distant star,

Nor a dream too far to claim,

It is the light within you,

A light within me

A spark we fan into a flame.

From the opening lines, Nayesiga emphasises that peace is not something we need to search for in distant places or lofty dreams. It is present within us all, waiting to be acknowledged and nurtured.

Just like a spark that can grow into a flame, peace starts small but has the potential to ignite entire communities when we actively tend to it.

Peace is you, with open hands,

Reaching out to bridge the divide,

It is me, with a steady heart,

Walking with you, side by side.

Here, the poem underscores the importance of connection. Peace is not a solitary pursuit but a shared journey. It is in the act of reaching out with kindness and solidarity, of standing together in the face of adversity, and offering unwavering support to one another.

It’s the melody we choose to sing,

A harmony of shared refrain,

A bond that weaves through every tear,

Through joy, through loss, through pain.

Peace is not just in our actions but in the energy we bring into the world. Nayesiga likens it to a melody, a song that we sing together, encompassing all the highs and lows of life.

It is in the bonds that form through our shared experiences—whether joyous or painful—and the collective resilience we show in times of challenge.

Peace is the courage to truly see,

Each soul in its radiant hue,

To honour the threads of our humanity,

And cherish the many in the few.

The poem calls for a deeper understanding of one another, to see beyond differences and to truly appreciate the diversity of human experiences.

Peace, according to Nayesiga, is rooted in empathy and respect for every individual, regardless of background, and an acknowledgment of the rich tapestry of our shared humanity.

It is in the laughter of a child,

In the solace of a friend,

In the courage to mend what’s broken,

And the love that knows no end.

Through simple, everyday moments, we encounter peace. It can be found in the joy of a child’s laughter, in the comfort of a friend’s presence, and in the strength to heal broken relationships.

Peace is not an abstract ideal but an ongoing process of care, repair, and unconditional love.

Peace is you when you forgive,

Me when I choose to care,

It lives in the moments we stand as one,

In the burdens we choose to share.

The poem emphasises forgiveness, empathy, and shared responsibility as key components of peace. It is a conscious choice to forgive, to care for others, and to stand together in unity, sharing the weight of the world’s challenges and working toward a collective resolution.

Not a place, not a fleeting state,

But a bond we build anew,

Peace is the heart of you and me,

And the world we create through.

In the final stanzas, Nayesiga redefines peace as not merely a destination or a transient state but as an enduring bond that we actively create together.

Peace is the essence of who we are and the world we shape through our choices and actions.

So let us not seek peace elsewhere,

Nor wait for a distant decree.

Peace begins with the simplest truth:

Peace is you, and peace is me.

The poem’s closing lines offer a powerful reminder that peace is not something that can be found externally or imposed from above.

It is something that starts within each of us, in the choices we make daily, in our interactions with one another, and in the world we co-create.

As the 4th Africa Peace Concert draws near, Nayesiga’s poem echoes the very essence of the event—peace is a collective endeavour, and it begins with each individual.

The concert itself, and the work of the Rotary Peace Center at Makerere University, reflect this principle by fostering a generation of peace builders who are dedicated to creating lasting change.

In the spirit of this powerful message, we invite you to join the Africa Peace Concert 2025, where together, we can create a symphony for peace that transcends borders and unites us all.

Let us remember: peace is not a faraway dream, but a shared reality waiting to be built, one heart at a time.