Top government officials and entrepreneurs have received peace awards for promoting tolerance while performing their national duties.

Ministers Ruth Nankabibrwa (energy) and Dr Monica Musenero (science and technology) were among those awarded.

Jane Frances Abodo, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), also received an award at a ceremony held at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Thursday.

The commissioner general of Uganda Revenue Authority John Musinguzi (centre) receiving peace award. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

The peace awards are an initiative of Always Be Tolerant Organisation (ABETO), a non-government organization formed in 1995 with the objective of promoting peace and tolerance among leaders and citizens.

The other awardees included;

◼ John Musinguzi, the commissioner general of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)

◼ Johnson Byabashaija, commissioner general of Uganda Prisons Service

◼ Dr Charles Kiyaga, head of the sickle cell control programme at the health ministry

◼ Dr Barirega Akankwasah, executive director of National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

◼ Godfrey Kirumira, Honorary Consul of Namibia to Uganda and an entrepreneur

Inscribed on the plaques the award recipients got was the biblical verse from Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon forged against you shall prosper.”

The Director of Public Prosecution Jane Frances Abodo (centre) receivingA peace award. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

Moses Musana, the chairman of ABETO, said the awardees exhibited peace under difficult situations as they executed their duties.

Gender and labour minister Betty Amongi presided over Thursday's function. She spoke of the significance of the awards, saying that President Yoweri Museveni and other Africa presidents have been past recipients.

Amongi said Museveni has held the country together because of his approach of promoting peace and peaceful co-existence among different tribes and religions.

She added that the Ugandan leader is viewed as a dean of Presidents in Africa, as leaders of different nations do consult him when their countries are in turmoil.

The Honorary consul consulate of Namibia in Uganda Godfrey Kirumira Kalule (centre) displays his peace award. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

The minister cited neighbours DR Congo, South Sudan and Somalia, where Uganda has championed peace efforts.

Amongi implored the awardees to use the awards to grow the country, adding that her dream "is to see Uganda develop".

On his part, Musana commended those recognized for being exemplary in handling difficult situations and encouraged them to maintain the same spirit as they perform their national duties.

He called upon the leaders to preach peace and tolerance as well as warn citizens that Uganda should not experience violence despite divergent views in the political arena.

Recipient Nankabirwa said the award has been one of the most significant ones that she has ever received and that it has energized her to always promote peace and tolerance.

She dedicated the award to the women who have helped to educate the girl child.

Top government officials and entrepreneurs have received peace awards for promoting tolerance while performing their national duties. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

Her science and technology counterpart, Dr Musenero, said the award has motivated her to seek peace as there are more benefits despite people insulting her.  

Honorary Consul Kirumira urged ABETO to invest in youth if Uganda is to maintain peace and stability.

DPP Abodo said the peace award has shown that her office work has been appreciated, especially after reducing the case backlog since she took the directorate's mantle in 2020.