Fourth edition of Africa peace concert to raise $500,000

In a significant step toward promoting peace and conflict resolution across the continent, Rotary Uganda has officially launched the fourth edition of the Africa Peace Concert, scheduled for January 10, 2025.

The annual musical concert aims to raise $500,000 to support peace-building initiatives and sustain the Makerere Rotary Peace Centre, Africa’s first institution dedicated to peace studies.

The Africa Peace Concert not only showcases African culture and talent but also serves as a platform for advocating peace. With a lineup of live performances and messages of hope from renowned African artists, the event will be broadcast to a global audience in real-time, amplifying its impact.

Funds raised will directly benefit the Makerere Rotary Peace Centre, which has been instrumental in training leaders in peace and conflict transformation. The centre, established in 2020, has so far welcomed 110 peace fellows from 43 countries and continues to grow as a key player in Africa’s peace efforts.

Joe Nuwamanya, Chairman and Team Leader of the Africa Peace Concert, emphasized the role of music in uniting people and promoting peace. He highlighted that the concert will create an avenue to raise awareness and resources for conflict resolution efforts, particularly through the Makerere Peace Centre.

“We will use the power of music to strengthen the spirit of unity and relentless pursuit of peace through this vibrant hybrid concert. Not only does it allow artists to connect with fans worldwide, but it also maximizes exposure and revenue to support the Makerere Peace Centre,” Nuwamanya said.

He noted that the concert aims to raise funds to support peace-building efforts, especially in regions devastated by war and conflict, which have led to the destruction of lives, displacement, and economic setbacks across the continent.

Tickets for the concert are priced at $100, and Nuwamanya encouraged both individuals and companies to support the cause of promoting peace in Africa.

Hellen Nambalirwa, a representative from the Makerere Peace Centre, noted that the centre’s focus extends beyond addressing current conflicts. She highlighted their work on forgotten conflicts such as those in South Sudan and issues affecting refugee and youth communities.

Nambalirwa explained, “The world is talking about Gaza and Ukraine, but no one is talking about South Sudan. Through the Rotary Peace Centre, we raise our voice on these overlooked conflicts. We also tackle social issues like youth drug abuse and hate speech, which contribute to internal conflicts.”

The concert will also coincide with a visit from Rotary International President Dr. Stephanie Urchick, who will be in Uganda from January 7 to 12, 2025.

Ken Wycliffe Mugisha, the past Governor of Rotary District 9214, invited Ugandans and the global community to support the peace initiative under the theme “Healing in a Divided World.”

“We are calling on everyone to come together to support these peace centres and contribute to the theme of healing in a divided world,” Mugisha said.

The Africa Peace Concert will bring together artists, peace advocates, and supporters from around the world to champion peace-building initiatives that will have a lasting impact on the continent.