Good Governance is the Key to Peace

The public dialogue on the last day of the Forum plead for accountability, visionary approaches and solidarity in conflict resolution

By Mai Rasmussen, Information Officer, MS Uganda

29. November 2002

"Conflict is a state of mind. The rest is just signs of conflict".

Professor Mondo Kagonyera, Minister in charge of General Duties, Office of the Prime Minister, gave a remarkable speech in the crowded venue at Nile Conference Centre on the last day of the Forum.

Around 200 persons listened, as the professor went on encouraging the audience to accept that conflict is everywhere.

"Even in Heaven. There you’ll find the Farther, the Son, the Holy Spirit, all the angels and the archangels. Trust me, there is conflict", he said elaborating on his message:

"Be confident with conflict. The challenge is how to manage it".

The professor also stated that civil society influences the quality of government – and that it should fight poverty, which promotes poor leadership.

Mr. Lars Anderskouv, Policy and Advocacy Officer, MS Denmark, picked up from there stressing that most conflicts are caused by lack of governance. Therefore, he said, promoting good governance and leadership is one of the most important tasks for civil society in peace building.

The conflict in Northern Uganda had been an often-debated issue during the Forum. Mr. Anderskouv asked the listeners to perceive it – and all other conflicts – with empathy and solidarity:

"It is a national problem. Seen from the international civil society perspective I would like to add that it is also a problem for the international community. If we wish to strive for a better and more peaceful world, we have to realise that it is in our common interest to resolve any conflict, whether we have a direct interest in it or not, and prevent new conflicts from arising", he said.

The third speaker, Dr. Josephine Odera, African Peace Forum, urged civil society to join hands and commit each others one agenda instead of piloting here and there.

Also, she called upon the actors in peace building to be visionary in their approach.

"Problems may change and become opportunities for tomorrow. Therefor, human knowledge is the biggest resource in conflict management", she said.