As Uganda continues to host one of Africa’s largest refugee populations, humanitarian agencies are increasingly turning to cultural exchange to strengthen peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.
On Thursday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partner organisations brought together refugees and members of the host community for a cultural festival in Rubondo Zone, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District.
The event, organised by Grapes of New Hope, was held under the theme: “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Positive Social Norms to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.” Nakivale, one of Uganda’s oldest refugee settlements, hosts refugees from several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Burundi, Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Like other refugee-hosting areas in Uganda, refugees and host communities share public services such as schools, health centres, markets, water sources and roads, making social cohesion critical to preventing conflict and promoting integration.
Organisers said the festival was designed to use culture, music and dialogue to strengthen relationships between the different communities while promoting respect for women’s rights and preventing gender-based violence.
Gilbert Akuma, the focal person for refugee-led organisations and community centres in Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements, said peaceful coexistence is essential for the stability and development of both refugee and host communities.
“A community experiencing conflict cannot prosper,” Akuma said, noting that refugees and host communities rely on the same schools, markets, water points and other public services.
He said cultural festivals provide an opportunity for people from different nationalities and ethnic groups to interact, learn each other’s languages and traditions, and appreciate their cultural diversity.
According to Akuma, activities such as music, dance and drama help break down barriers between communities, encourage mutual respect and have even led to intermarriages between refugees and members of the host community.
Bright Miracle, the Programmes Manager at Grapes of New Hope, said the festival also complements psychosocial support programmes offered to refugees, many of whom have experienced conflict, displacement and trauma. He said singing, dancing and other cultural performances create safe spaces where refugees can heal emotionally and rebuild social connections.
Faith Rolling Okethi, a social worker with Humanity and Inclusion speaking on behalf of the partner organisations, described the festival as a celebration of hope, resilience and unity.
She said bringing together people from different backgrounds helps combat discrimination, hatred and violence, particularly violence against women and girls.
Okethi called on communities to support the safety, dignity and equal participation of women and girls, saying they play a vital role in building peaceful and resilient communities.
Kisura Village LC I Chairperson Yustine Katarugamba commended the relationship between refugees and host communities, saying disputes are rare and are usually resolved through dialogue.
He noted that the most common disagreements involve livestock grazing in people’s gardens, but community leaders have been able to resolve them peacefully before they escalate.
Refugee Welfare Council II Chairperson Anasitasi Bahati said the long-standing relationship between refugees and host communities has fostered trust, resulting in intermarriages and mutual support during times of hardship.
The festival featured music, dance, poetry, storytelling and traditional performances by refugees and members of the host community, showcasing the cultural diversity that has made Nakivale one of Uganda’s most multicultural refugee settlements.
Organisers said they hope similar initiatives will continue to strengthen social cohesion, reduce tensions over shared resources and reinforce peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities as Uganda’s refugee population continues to grow-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
