Civil Society Forum on Conflict Resolution and Development, Uganda, 2002

As representative of SEEYN and NGO “Youth Communication Centre” Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) I have participate in Civil Society Forum held in Kampala from October 24-26, 2002.

Because I arrived in Uganda three days before Forum I have had opportunity thankfully to host MS Uganda to visit to towns and projects that they implementing in partnership with local NGOs. This unforgettable round trip gave me picture about Uganda, which I had only by using Internet. Meetings with beneficiaries and staff of local NGOs was useful as preparation for Forum.

Lectures during Forum have held by experts in area of Conflict Resolution and Development and reports about specific problems in Uganda and region enabled me to actively participate in workshops. I have attended following workshops: “Effects of War and Armed Conflict on Children” and “Women on Conflict Situation”. Therefore second one was organizing better while I had opportunity during workshop to exchange experience with other participants during first workshop witness reports of children was shocking and efficient for Forum.

During third day of Forum has held Conference on Good Governance for Peace building and Sustainable development that was the most valuable experience, which I could bring back to my region. Conference has organized on way that NGO representatives took part from different areas, governmental representatives and representatives of other components of civil society.

This type of exchanging of different level of experience as far as I know has not happened in our region and by my opinion is one of extremely good ways to achieve concrete results in field of reconciliation.

Written by Vera Kelava