Peace activists asked to use music to promote international harmony

By Mathias Mazinga

A popular local hip-hop musical artiste, Daniel Kigozi (alias Navio) has asked peace activists and organisations to use music and culture to promote peace and mutual understanding in Africa and the world.

Navio also asked government to create employment opportunities for the youth, to reduce on the alarming levels of crime and disorderliness.

“Music is a huge tool. If you want to spread the gospel of peace effectively, you must bring music and culture on board. I have seen musicians attracting massive crowds that even fill up huge stadiums. I have seen songs changing people’s lives. I am also aware of the immense passion that many of our people have for sports, especially the big game of soccer. So, you can’t go wrong if you bring music on board, in the crusade for peace.”

  Victoria Nalongo Namusisi of Bright Kids delivers her submission

“Culture can also play a vital role in the promotion of peace. We must empower our people to understand and assimilate their culture and the culture of others. The Ganda culture, for example, is a culture of peace. Let us make use of the good things we practise in our culture, to promote peace. Our leaders should also take the commitment to empower our young people economically. Idle hands are the devil’s play-ground. If the youths have no work, they will be easily lured into mischievous activities.”

Fr. Arinaitwe delivers his submission as Gilley, left, looks on

Navio was speaking to peace activists, during a peace forum at the Kampal Sheraton Hotel on June 30.

The big gathering, which attracted peace activists from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and DR Congo, was organised by Peace One Day, a London-based organisation, which works to promote the International Day of Peace.

Some of the participants follow the peace forum proceedings

During the same forum, the Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Khatwib Mukuluwakika, asked Ugandans to be peaceful in every activity they do. Mukuluwakika amused people, when he said that even when one was slaughtering an animal, one was obliged to act with mercy and friendliness.

A participant delivers her submission during the peace forum

“According to the teaching of the Prophet Mohammed, if you are going to slaughter an animal, you need to sharpen your knife and cut once, so that the animal does not feel much pain.”

Some of the religious leaders at the peace forum

The day-long workshop was also addressed by several other leaders of faith and civil society organisations, who included among others Scott Lambie (African Children’s Choir), Angella Rugambwa (International Rescue Committee), Victoria Nalongo Namusisi (Bright Kids Uganda), Fr. Dr. Sylvester Arinaitwe (UJCC) and Victor Ochen, the Executive Director/Founder of African Youth Initiative Network and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee.

The forum was moderated by Jeremy Gilley, the founder of Peace One Day, who asked all the participants to work for peace in their daily activities. Jeremy also asked the participants to popularise the UN Day of Peace, which will take place on September 21.