Kampala — THE government of Ireland will support all peace initiatives in Uganda, especially in conflict-prone areas. This was in a message from the Ambassador of Ireland, Kevin Kelly, sent to the people of Kibaale to mark the World Peace Day commemoration at Kagadi Freedom Tree in Kagadi town, Kibaale district on Friday.

"The Irish government is committed and will work with the Government of Uganda in collaboration with local governments and civil society organisations to create peace in Uganda," the statement read.

The ambassador's message was delivered by the Kibaale district speaker, Robert Birungi Kanyai-hamba who presided over the functions.

The Irish government is supporting peace initiatives in Kibaale by implementing a two-year project. It has invested over sh70m in the project through civil society organisations.

The funds have been used to form peace clubs and committees at sub-county level and in schools to advocate for peace in their respective communities. Birungi said marking the peace day in Kibaale came at the right time when the indigenous Banyoro and the migrant community commonly referred to as Bafuruki were negotiating a resolution to their conflicts.

The resident district commissioner of Kibaale, Hajji Ali Mutawe, appealed to the public to learn to live harmoniously, promote unity in diversity and work for the development of the nation.

He said there was need to use the existing structures and political will to promote good governance, democracy and peace. The function was organised by the Kibaale Civil Society Organisations Network in conjunction with Kibaale district local government. It was funded by the Irish government.