Beyond Coexistence: Strengthening Inclusive Community
Uganda is the leading refugee-hosting country in Africa, with over 1.5 million refugees and asylum seekers (USCRI, 2024). The country has held this title for some time, and has been known for its progressive approach “providing safe and dignified shelter for an increasingly large refugee population,” becoming a model for refugee resettlement and management. While Uganda has been an inspiration on the continent, its policy doesn’t come without challenges, nor its implementation without conflict and hardships. As a native Ugandan who grew up near a large refugee camp, Rashidah Nampiima is no stranger to the tensions and divisions between locals and refugees. However, rather than being wrangled into fear, misunderstandings, and discrimination, Rashidah saw an opportunity for harmony, coexistence, and inclusivity. So began her peacebuilding journey.
“I have witnessed the transformative power of inclusivity. Seeing children and young people who once viewed each other as outsiders laugh, play, and work together as equals affirms that peace is possible.”
Growing up, Rashidah witnessed ongoing conflict between local natives and refugees. Between land settlement disputes, limited economic resources, and resistance to local and refugee children attending school together, community division was common. Rashidah experienced her own turning point during a sports event, where, for the first time, local and refugee youth played together as one team rather than as rivals. “The laughter, teamwork, and shared excitement proved that integration was possible. That moment solidified my passion for peacebuilding, and my belief that grassroots efforts can create lasting social change.” This moment of connection inspired Rashidah to first approach the elder natives. She worked with them on how to interact with refugees, and urged them to set an example for the community. She worked down from the elders to the school-aged youth, guiding children on how to live together harmoniously, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity.
Together with her peers, Rashidah evolved this community work into “The Social Integration Project,” through which they “create safe spaces where individuals of different origins, backgrounds, regions, or tribes can interact. By using sports, games, dialogue, and community gatherings,” they promote peaceful coexistence. The Social Integration Project focuses on children and youth, believing in shaping a generation that values peace and coexistence, and particularly uplifts refugees or marginalized groups who struggle with being accepted in the community. The project began with a small community, conducting peace talks and workshop sessions, school outreach, and dance and sports. After participation in the PPA, Rashidah has been able to extend her work, inviting in more schools and public spaces, expanding to other parts of the region, and adding mentorship programs teaching leadership and conflict resolution. Through the PPA, Rashidah’s initiative reached 400 individuals, and over 90% of participants reported feeling more connected to peers from different backgrounds.
Through simple yet meaningful activities, The Social Integration Project uplifts the dignity, ability, and contribution of everyone, giving people an opportunity to explore and advance their own passions and talents, learn about others, and strengthen the social cohesion and unity of communities. “Without unity, opportunities for growth, education, and mutual support are limited, which affects not only individuals but the entire society. I have witnessed the transformative power of inclusivity. Seeing children and young people who once viewed each other as outsiders laugh, play, and work together as equals affirms that peace is possible.” The Social Integration Project sparked much transformation in youth, validating that even small, steady shifts can lead to transformative inner and outer change. One student who was identified as the class bully before the training, afterwards started actively engaging in class discussions about peace and conflict resolution, inviting his classmates to create a peace club together. A young girl who initially struggled with self-confidence and self-expression, after the training exhibited higher confidence in sharing her experiences with family and friends to encourage them to approach conflict peacefully. Another student had challenges with anger and often resorted to aggressive behavior. After the training, he shared feeling more confident in understanding and expressing his emotions, and teachers reported he used more peaceful communication with peers – even resolving a conflict with a friend without getting into a fight.
“The stories of transformation I witness keep me going. When a young person tells me they feel safer, more accepted, or more hopeful about the future because of an initiative I lead, I know that this work is meaningful.”
These changes, reaching the youth, the adults they interact with, and the communities at large, demonstrate the impact of having every effort towards peaceful coexistence count. Rashidah’s vision is to further expand this work to create a scalable and sustainable program that can be adapted and utilized in other refugee hosting regions. She wants to “reach more refugee settlements and marginalized communities, ensuring that no one feels isolated due to their background.”
Rashidah firmly believes that peace is the “presence of understanding, respect, and collaboration among individuals and communities. It is about creating environments where everyone feels included, heard, and valued.” To this end, she actively practices listening and mindfulness, and has learned the importance of patience and empathy by engaging with people from diverse perspectives. Rashidah prioritizes taking time to reflect on her own work, learning from its successes and challenges, and staying motivated through stories of transformation. Young people who once distrusted each other, now work together, play together, form friendships, feel safer and more accepted, feel more hopeful, as a result of Rashidah’s efforts – this is the power of young people leading peace efforts and creating inclusive communities.
Reflecting on her own journey into peace practice, her own leadership through The Social Integration Project, and the rippling impact on her community and beyond, Rashidah provides powerful advice for fellow peace leaders. “Start where you are. Peacebuilding does not require grand gestures, rather it begins with small actions like listening, mediating conflicts, and creating safe spaces for dialogue. Be persistent because change takes time, but every effort counts. Most importantly, stay committed to your values and the people you serve.”
“Be persistent because change takes time, but every effort counts. Most importantly, stay committed to your values and the people you serve.”
As Rashidah continues this work forward, she invites support through collaborations with organizations in peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and refugee integration – providing partnership, training resources, mentorship, and funding collaborations.