EDUCATION AND AFRICAN FUTURES: A CALL TO A PARADIGM SHIFT FOCUSING ON FUTURE - READY LEARNERS

 The First Lady, and Minister of Education and Sports as well as the Conference Host - Hon. Janet Museveni (Centre); The Chief Guest and Prime Minister of Republic of Uganda - Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda (to her left) and the Conference Keynote Speaker - Dr. Tom Rudmik (to his left). To the right of the First Lady is Professor Vincent Anigbbogou - The Director General of the Institute for National Transformation and Dr. James Magara - the CASTLE Board Chairman 

I have been privileged to attend probably the greatest thought-provoking event for me in 2019 - The Center for Advanced Strategic Leadership conference on Education and African Futures 2019. Uganda Airlines (The national Carrier of the Republic of Uganda) was this year was re-birthed and  its operations across the African skies resumed. It has gathered momentum and the sky is only its foundation. We can only imagine what the experience was like for the crew and passengers on its maiden flight. Were they anxious the night before the flight across the beautiful Lake Victoria to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya? No words can sufficiently explain that entire experience but for the people on board that flight. This was the analogy that former Legislator  Leadership Consultant and Coach - Hon. Dr. Benson Obua Ogwal used when providing an overview of what transpired through the conference. He chaired the Seventh and final session of the just concluded Center for Advanced Strategic Leadership (CASTLE) THINK TANK Conference held at Mestil Hotel Kampala between 30th ad 31st October, 2019 under the theme: "Education and African Futures."

CASTLE in partnership with the Institute for National Transformation (INT) - a training platform for No-Excuse Leaders of Responsibility, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence; in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports hosted an Inaugural two - day  conference attracting stakeholders in the Education Ecosystem to explore forecasts for Education on the Continent and possible pathways for strengthening the systematic management of education, and providing effective and inclusive teaching and learning on the continent to produce future-ready learners. It attracted Education and non-education experts and provided opportunity for dialogue and exchange to identify practical measures for meeting the needs and aspirations of Education Stakeholders: youth, Students, teachers, employers, workers, research institutions, universities, governments and civil society. 

The conference featured engaging plenary and break out sessions, panel discussions by experts, and exhibition of innovative education products and services. The case for the conference was a challenge identified by a world bank report released on 5th March, 2018 stated that Africa faces a "severe learning crisis" that undermines economic growth and well being of its citizens. This is against a backdrop of a fast changing world characterized by the velocity and volume of change generating unprecedented opportunities and challenges for educational systems worldwide. Nowhere has this rapid change been felt more than on the African Continent considering its rapidly growing population which is projected to continue doing so or the rest of this century. However, with the application of innovation to foresight, it is possible to turn this potential challenge into great opportunities. The conference program was designed, therefore, with this end result in mind

Day 1 of the Conference had an address by the Chief Guest Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda - Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda who also officially opened the conference. In attendance was the Conference Host - First Lady and The Minister of Education and Sports Lady - Hon. Janet Museveni. The Prime Minister reiterated government's commitment for universal access to affordable and quality education that matches the needs of the society.

The Key note Address was delivered by Dr. Tom Rudmik, the founder of Master's Academy and College in Calgary Canada on the topic; "Transforming Education in Africa by 2030" with a key emphasis on, "Becoming Imaginable." His presentation took a case study approach which focused on work he is doing in his school to make his students "Future-ready." Their approach of Imaginal Education built upon Profound learning and Innovation is a stark contrast with the current system in Uganda. It proffers ownership of the learning experience to students shifting it from the Teacher. He makes a case for change of system when it is obsolete a mere improvement cannot make it relevant. He notes that 85% - 90% of system variation or performance is caused by the system, not the people. His approach goes beyond design thinking which only focuses on today's problems with today's knowledge. 

The Master's academy approach shifts the responsibility of discovering new knowledge to the  students with the Teacher facilitating and learning along with them. This phenomenon of imaginal leaders are those who analyse future opportunities and threats and use innovation tools to design possible solutions to those challenges. Dr. Tom notes that innovation is the number one competency needed to drive the future. He notes that it all starts with everybody acknowledging that we have a problem. Key stakeholders must wake up to the realization that Education is not just broken but obsolete. He critiqued the attempt to catch up with other nations on grounds that it is based on an unrealistic assumption that the nations Africa intends to catch up with are stagnant or rather not moving forward themselves. Dr. Tom stated that the end game for any education system is that the product becomes a functional or useful person in the economy. He noted that the answer for the future is not preparing more students for University but for their future roles in that environment. He noted that Rote learning focuses on test scores which hinder and limits learning and doesn't prepare students for the world of tomorrow. Then why haven't things changed? The quick option is to blame the Government, economy or somebody else in the system yet we all know better. He urged the participants to "SAY NO TO POWERLESSNESS." If the system is broken, then all that is needed is system improvement. However, an obsolete system needs transformation, not improvement. Imaginal leaders see and create the future. So how does one become an imaginal leader. They go beyond rendering something obsolete because saying something is obsolete does not make it so. However, they create something better and new. Imaginal leaders build prototypes, tools and systems that can scale the transformed system at a demonetized cost, with increased impact at a fraction of the cost of the current investment in an obsolete system. 

Dr. James Magara, the CASTLE Board Chairman and Co - founder of Vine International Christian Academy while presenting on the paper entitled: "Education and Africa 2063" noted Education is a process of Community life and work. He said Africans who lived over a century ago had an education that empowered them to live in the environment and the community of the time. They were predominantly Hunter-Gatherers and as such, the education equipped them with skills such as Ability to  stalk and locate prey; Ability to pursue what they hunted, deal he deadly blow by striking the target with maximum force and decisiveness; ability to gather the kill and bring the trophy home. 

Conversely, around that same time, Europe was undergoing the first Industrial Revolution from around 1765. Key economic activities included Coal mining, Textile industry, mechanized agriculture. Coal and steel were the main drivers of the first industrial revolution and Education was for a few. The second Industrial Revolution saw the rise in Electricity Generation; the Oil sector, line work assembly, automobile industry , planes, telegraph, telephones. The main drivers were Oil and Gas. It was also an era that gave rise to mass education but excellence was for a few. The third Industrial Revolution saw the emergence of nuclear energy, electronics, transistors, microprocessors, biotechnology, automation and nuclear energy. In all the above revolutions, Africa has majorly been a spectator. The  forth Industrial revolution has features like digitization, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, Blockchain, 3D Printing, Autonomous vehicles, cloud computing to mention but a few. Africa has a unique chance to skip all other revolutions and get returns from wise investment into this revolution. What does Africa's future look like? Are we looking at the future with the eyes of the present? Is our education system preparing participants for this future world?  

In her Presentation entitled, " The current State of education on the continent," Ms. Alero Ayida - Otobo, the Founder of Incubator Africa and Co-Founder: Teach for Nigeria: Education Reform and Innovation Team (ERIT) and Imaginal Education Initiative (IEI) made a for the identity of Africa. "Who is Africa? What is our Identity? Is Africa what we say it is or what other people say we are?" She asked. She submitted that if we do not know who we are, there will be abuse. She noted that Africa is a blessed continent with various natural and mineral resources with a predominantly youthful population. This population is an asset greater than any natural or human resources considering that by 2100, 80% of the world's population will be living either in Africa or Asia as Africa's population will increase drastically. She submitted projections which show that 21 countries in the world have a high fertility rate with the average woman giving birth to 5 or more children. Of these, 19 are in Africa and the other 2 are in Asia. This, if not handled well, is likely to propound the dependence burden; increase inequality, inequity and injustice. Does our education system describe who we are, our identity, resources, and achievements? It is riddled with poor outcomes. We need an education system that encourages the rise in creatives like arts and entertainment; fashion and music given that current trends are not limited to formal education. The future belongs to the young people and they should actively participate in the conversation of creating the future they deserve. They are talented, innovative and smart. And yes, they will soon make up 90% of Africa's population

On his part, Mr. Alex Kakooza, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports in his Presentation entitled, "Current state of Education in Uganda," detailed the main roles of government at the different levels of education in the country, mainly Pre-Primary, Primary, Secondary (Lower and Upper), Tertiary and University level. He noted that the three pronged approach government took covered Access; Quality as well as Efficiency and Effectiveness

The increase in Access to education especially due to Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education enrollment. However, increased access has led to challenges on strain to quality. Some innovations piloted in select schools include "Early Grade Reading" which has increased interest of pupils in reading and comprehension skills as well as decreased the drop out rate. In regard to Tertiary Education, launch of SKILLING UGANDA  by H.E The President in 2012 was a great step in the right direction. There are ongoing efforts to market and interests young people to consider this as an alternative. In regard to Higher Education, Uganda has over 50 universities, 9 of which are Public. This shows that the issue of Access has greatly been addressed. The challenge left is of Quality. It is time to develop theories relevant to our situation emphasizing the training of learners in Higher education for the skills of tomorrow.  Effort must be put to encourage youth to enroll in Tertiary Vocational Educational Training Institutions (TVET). There are ongoing discussions with the Directorate of Industrial Training to accredit learners from these institutions and award them certificates on successful completion of their training. The quest for Modern Education needs not imply illiteracy is ignored. Reading, writing and numeracy open doors to other opportunities

Day 2 of the Conference featured various presentations and concluded with the Host - Minster of Education and Sports - First Lady Hon. Janet Museveni  officially closing the conference.

Dr. James Magara in his presentation, "The future of Education in light of changes in work and industry," premised his presentation on the Biblical wisdom book of Proverbs 27:12: "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precaution. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Looking into the future, he challenged the audience to imagine the implications of training people today to work in industries of the future at a time when there in increased inventions in robotics, artificial Intelligence and other technologies. Would there be work opportunities for such trainees? He quoted the Global Youth Survey 2018 which showed that 37% of working population is employed in the Private sector; 30% in the Non-profit sector; 19% in the Public sector; 9%  are elf employed; 3% i family business and 2% in others. He noted that education for the future requires work readiness with skills such as Literacy, Numeracy, Digital literacy, Self Presentation; and other Soft skills. He provided findings of a 10 year longitudinal study by Dr. George Land measuring the Creativity of subjects. The test results showed that 3-5 year old children had creativity of 98%; which dropped to 30% by the time they made 10 years; further declining to 12% by the time they are 15 years old and a dismal 2% by the time they are adults. The conclusions were that the school system obtaining is greatly damaging creativity yet the future is Creativity driven. He noted that new approaches that will soon become common include Personalized learning, Project based Learning, Student ownership of Learning; Data Interpretation, Practical field experiences, online learning to mention but a few.

Professor Vincent Anigbogou - the Director General of Institute for National Transformation in Lagos Nigeria made a presentation on a paper entitled, "Education for social change." He anchored his presentation on an in depth historic journey that Tertiary education has evolved from the First Generation Medieval era where focus of education was for desiring the Truth. The Teachers/Professors commented and discussed on a big range of topics but produced nothing. The Second Generation Hornsbold era where education was to discuss nature and culture. The Third generation now focuses on Education for social impact. Prof. Vincent encouraged participants to know who they are and when they undertake to engage, they should aim at 100% return on investment. He called on participants to engage fully through diligence and hard work pushing themselves to the limits.

Ms. Rose Izizinga, a Member of the Education Service Commission anchored her presentation on the topic: "Education Curricula in light of Global Changes." She analysed what pertains in Africa's education systems which is predominantly Teacher-centered using making an analysis of the period 1890 where the blackboard was a central part of the classroom to 2010 while classrooms in Modern economies have I-Pads. However, the blackboard is still a reality for the African economy. Ms. Rose views teachers as, "God's helpers in the art of creation." She noted that the cores skills of the 21st Century are Creating; Adapting; Communication; Information Literacy, to mention but an few and made a case that 21st Century Teaching and Learning should be based on Creativity and Imagination; Critical thinking and Problem solving. She noted that the 21st century learner should be self directed; a life long learner; visionary learner and creative. She noted that the 21st Century Curriculum should focus more on Inquiry-based learning while the 21st Century teacher should be an adapter, leader, good communicator and learner.

Mrs. Loy Muhwezi her presentation discussed the topic: "Skills education for African futures," where she passionately advocated for Promotion of skills for the African context in view of the challenges particularly the promotion of skills that address challenges obtain in Uganda or Africa at the moment. She also considered the African Union Agenda 2063' Aspiration 1 which she used to make the case that education system employed should be able to deliver efficient Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes. Combined, these are all important in preparing the African population appropriately for work. 

Dr. Jessica Aguti - The Director of the Institute for Open, Distance and e-Learning Makerere University made a presentation on the topic, "Trends in Distance Learning." She anchored her presentation on the facts that the growing global population is continuously piling pressure and demand for education with more challenges to its quality. Key issues and challenges for current education are Relevance; Quality; Access; Research and financing, among others. She noted that while school enrollments have gone up, transition rates are very low, Quality remains a challenge, and disparities remain. Some statistics she made mention of include: 57% of those who sat PLE ultimately sat Ordinary Secondary Level Education. 17% of those who sat PLE sat  Advanced Secondary level education of which only 11% eventually joined University and other tertiary institutions. What happened to all those that dropped out? This is a high wastage in the education system. Distance learning can therefore provide answers to Access; Equity and Cost Effectiveness.

Dr. Jessica showed through the trends in Distance learning which commenced with First Generation which was face to face which cherished high interaction between Teacher and student; to the Second Generation which was Distance learning albeit very costly; to the third generation which was Open learning  which cherishes high Correspondence; to the forth generation which is Electronic learning which is built around high technology. However, the future of Distance learning is 5th Generation called Blended or fusion learning which encompasses all positive aspects of the first four above while reducing on the negatives.Today, there are Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offered by a variety of institutions offering greater opportunities for learners to personalize their learning experiences. These will go a long way in increasing access to and quality of tertiary education and address inequalities and inequities. There is urgent need to increase access to ICTs to facilitate Distance Learning. The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.

Ms. Jackie Ochola, the Country Director of Andela - Uganda made a presentation on the topic: "Information and Communication Technology: Leapfrogging into African futures," where she defined ICT as a diverse set of Technology tools and resources used to communicate, create, disseminate, store and manage information. She said some of the technologies going to drive the next decade include Artificial Intelligence; Internet of Things; Blockchain; Virtual Reality, Quantum Computing among others. She stated that ICTs offer Africa a unique opportunity to leapfrog into the future through for example unlocking productivity of Agriculture; Better resource management; Healthier and productive people and efficiency in governance. To be ICT ready for the future opportunities, we ought to universally digitalize; increased government support and viable systems. She noted that we live in the realm of possibilities  and she called upon us to dare to dream. Jackie emphasized the importance of coding which she said ought to be put along numeracy and literacy as basics skills right from a young age. She noted that coding is about solving problems 

Conference Keynote Speaker Dr. Tom Rudmik of Master's Academy, Calgary - Canada

Dr. Tom Rudmik returned on day 2 to make a presentation on the Topic: "A case for Transformation: The Journey into the future of education." He shared about the six habits of a Master learner which are: A Person of Character; Principle centered; Critical and creative thinker; Collaborative worker; Independent worker and Quality producer. He noted that while Integration and Improvement are important in managing the future; Invention and Innovation are critical for creating the future.

He noted that imaginal thinking involves: Seeing (Vision for the future); Learning (Developing new thinking); Creating (New system structure) all of which result into transformation. He cited the CIO Trend report 2017 which showed the major trends which included Digital platforms; and others. He noted that Future of education will shift to more personalization of the learning experience and compressing of the learning time. He noted the future learning will take a digital revolution; with Linear growth quickly replaced with exponential growth for sustained exponential impact at a fraction of the cost of investing in an obsolete system. Strategic partnerships is a very critical aspect for increasing impact of imaginal education. 

Hon. Dr. Benson Obua, who chaired the final session of the Conference likened the effect of the Rudmik brothers on the education system of Uganda to the effect the Wright Brothers had on aviation. The noted that this conference was CASTLE FLIGHT - 001 and its maiden flight had landed very smoothly. Quoting Margaret Mead, he said, "Never doubt that a few thoughtful and committed people can change the world. That is what matters." 

The Chairman of the Conference and Education Expert and Consultant - Professor Joseph Oonyu said, "We do not inherit this world from our ancestors but we borrow it from our children."

The Conference Host, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports - Hon. Janet Museveni in her closing remarks said having resources is not enough and Government is not ignorant of the challenges and inadequacies of the Education System. She said the seeds of transformation have been planted through the conference and subsequent activities of the think tank and they will germinate and bear fruit. She said her ministry looks forward to the outcome of the deliberations of the conference to guide on the way forward for education in the country.

Conclusively, Malcolm X said, "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."
I believe the CASTLE Conference by and large has successfully started the discussion on the Future of Education in Africa which will go a long way in ensuring future-ready learners being obtained from education system. It was my honor to follow the conference proceedings while supporting the Time Keeping function of the event which on its own was an experience to remember. I thank you for your audience

Some of the participants at the Inaugural CASTLE Conference on Education and African Futures

WHY A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONFLICT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND PEACE SHOULD INTEREST YOU

Melting Glaciers over time

The Ugandan Newspaper Daily - New Vision, in it's 6th March, 2016 issue in a piece entitled. "Rwenzori Melting Glaciers worry environmentalists" reported that high melting rate of glaciers atop Mt. Rwenzori. Located in the Western part of Uganda, Rwenzori Mountain also known as the Mountains of the Moon are snow capped and a major tourist attraction. John Magezi, a researcher covered in the piece links the alarming rate of melting glaciers (glacial recession)  to Climate change especially to higher air temperatures and and less snow accumulation; warning that that some animals species on the mountain may face extinction as they had adapted to the cool climate but the climate is now changing. This is especially so considering that the percentage ice loss on Mt. Baker at 96%; followed by Mt. Speke at 91% and Mt. Stanley wit the lowest at 69%.



The impact of Climate Change on the Rwenzoris can better be understood by considering the role of the Tourism Industry to the nation. From  the Tourism sector Budget framework paper for Financial Year 2019/20, we gather that tourism continues to be a leading foreign exchange earner to the Ugandan economy generating USD 1,453 million compared to USD 1,371 million in 2016. It is no doubt that the tourists to the Rwenzoris make a major contribution to these amounts. Moreso fr the business revenues of many enterprises and community around the mountain that benefit from the regular hiking expeditions. The fast rate of melting of glaciers means the portion of tourists interested in hiking to see the snow-covered peaks and  other flora and fauna might reduce in the coming years significantly affecting not just the national economy in general but also the livelihoods of communities and enterprises that depend directly on tourism. 



The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #13 focuses on "Climate Action." It notes that thee is no country that is not experiencing the drastic effects of climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions are more than 50% higher in 1990. Supporting vulnerable regions will directly contribute not only to Goal #13 but also to other SDGs. As of 2017, humans are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0 degrees Centigrade of global warming above pre-industrial levels. There is also an estimate that the energy sector alone will create around 18 million more jobs by 2030, focused specifically on sustainable energy

The Global Peace Index 2019 developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) which ranks 163 Independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness is the World’s leading measure of Global Peacefulness as it covers 99.7% of world’s population using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources and measures the state of peace using three thematic domains: Level of Societal Safety and Security; Extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict; and the Degree of Militarization

It states that the effects of climate change pose a major challenge to peacefulness in the coming decade. Environmental risks of climate change and resource scarcity had the highest likelihood of and impact out of five risk categories including economic, geopolitical, societal, technological, and environmental threats, as estimated by World Economic Forum 

it further mentions that dealing with the negative trends of peacefulness becomes even more crucial when looking at the potential impact of climate change on peace. An estimated 971 million people live in areas with high or very high climate change exposure, of which 41% (400 million) reside in countries which already have low levels of peacefulness. The effects of climate change pose a major challenge to peacefulness in the coming decade especially on factors such as Resource Scarcity, Livelihood Security, and Displacement can greatly increase the risk of future violent conflict. 

It also mentions that Climate Change can indirectly increase the likelihood of violent conflict through its impacts on Resource availability, livelihood, security and migration. In order to address these challenges, there will be need for much greater cooperation both within and between countries. The IEP SDG 16+ report notes that extremely high temperatures in most of the places where people live with extreme lows at night at night. Available content shows that climate has played a role in triggering or exacerbating conflict through its effects on livelihood security and resource availability. 



The effects of climate change create resource scarcity and livelihood insecurity giving rise to localized conflict over common resources which can in turn put stress on different aspects of peacefulness such as GPI indicators of refugees and IDPs; Intensity of Organised Internal Conflict; and a number and duration of internal and external conflicts, while ease of access to small arms and light weapons can facilitate or exacerbate violent conflicts

Climate induced migration and resource scarcity are expected to create millions of climate refugees, driving up the number of refugees and IDPs and affecting relations with neighboring countries. Anthony Mwangi reporting about the impact of floods in Uganda on the site https://www.ifrc.org/ar/news-and-media/news-stories/africa/uganda/floods-continue-to-ravage-uganda/ sttes that as floods continue to ravage different parts of Uganda, a number of areas are experiencing severe effects of floods that have displaced up to 300,000 people. The Uganda Meteorological Department estimates that the above normal rains are expected to continue in the coming weeks in te country, with the North Eastern and Eastern parts of the country most affected. In recent times, heavy rains around the Mount Elgon region have resulted in mudslides that have wrecked havoc destroying life and property in their path downhill. Entire villages have been destroyed and livelihoods of many families destroyed. Those who survived such disasters have been forced to flee and in other instances government has had to resettle such communities in other areas.

While there has been considerable effort by the Government to implement mechanisms targeted to supported such afflicted communities, concerns still arise on issues relating to relationship of Internally Displaced People, Refugees, Hot Communities in relation to harmonious co-existence and sharing of scarce resources like Water. Such acts of nature, however horrible, greatly remind us of the powerful forces of nature and how efforts must be galvanized to protect it and its resources in a sustainable manner

This discussion has showed through that Climate Change is a reality of our times and that it is affecting us in many ways than meets the eye. It has also showed a correlation between climate change and peace showing potential for conflict. Countries, especially the third world with poor copying mechanisms to adverse effects of climate change are more likely to be adversely affected. As such, citizens and governments in such countries must take the lead in developing and implementing Climate-sensitive policies and practices in their way of life to curtail potential climate change disasters. Now is the time to plant more trees and reduce on the deforestation rate; adopt to modern farming methods that strive for environmental conservation; pursue Development with sustainability accompanying the planning and embracing the high growing population as a demographic dividend engaging them in environmental protection and conservation campaigns linked to improvement in their livelihoods, so that they are better motivated champions of the cause

I thank you 

AGENDA 2063: THE AFRICA WE WANT THROUGH DEEPENING THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY-BASED MEDIATION

I, herein, make a case, through specific Literature reviews, and case studies for the relevance of deepening the impact of Community - Based Mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) strategy in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building initiatives. I believe that the statistics and the case study can motivate continental policy makers and various stakeholders to consider the ADR approach to scale its application in different contexts in Uganda, East Africa and Africa due ti its clear evidence of impact. In so doing, the Aspiration #4 of Agenda 2063 will be achieved which is consistent with the United Nationsa Sustainable Development Goal Number #16

It is crucial to note that Conflicts are a phenomenon associated with an inevitable corollary of co-existence, in all societies, and to some extent are an inevitable and indeed necessary corollary of social change. They are an expression of tensions and incompatibles between different, mutually independent parties with regard to their respective needs, interests and values. They are liable to lead to crises, and destructive escalations affecting whole societies primarily during phases of profound socio-economic change and political transition. However, Conflicts are not the problem but the way in which they are managed and resolved (Eschborn 2002)

Agenda 2063: The Africa we want is rooted in Pan-Africanism and African-Renaissance, providing a robust framework of addressing past injustices and the realization that the 21st Century as the African Century. It has also been clearly stated that Agenda 2063 will not happen spontaneously but require conscious and deliberate efforts to nurture a transformative Leadership that will drive the agenda and defend Africa’s interests. Robert Kennedy said, “The future is not a gift: it is an achievement. Every generation helps make its own future. This is the essential challenge of the present.” My proposal herein is anchored in the Aspiration 4 of Agenda 2063 themed: a Peaceful and Secure Africa because of my belief that a peaceful Africa is a necessary and critical factor for the attainment of all other Aspirations of Agenda 2063. Aspiration 4 envisages that mechanisms for Peaceful and Prevention and Resolution of Conflicts will be functional at all Levels through promotion of Dialogue- centered conflict prevention and resolution actively promoted in such a way that by 2020, all guns will be silent. It further envisages a culture of peace and tolerance to to be nurtured in Africa’s children and youth through Peace Education

Aspiration 4 of Agenda 2063 corresponds with The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal Number 16 aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for Sustainable Development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. SDGs aim to reduce all forms of violence and propose that governments and communities find lasting solutions to conflict and insecurity. Indeed, Africa has been a hotbed for disputes and conflicts taking different forms leading to loss of lives and property and inevitably causing immeasurable loss to the continent and its people. 

In the paper entitled: “The dividends of Peace: the Economics of Peace Keeping” by Harriet Hentges and Jean Marc Coicaud published in The Journal of International Affairs 2002, they noted that of the 54 Peace Keeping operations that the United Nations established between 1948 and 2000; 36 were after the year 1991 and were deployed worldwide as follows:

(a) Africa – 14 (b) Europe – 09 (c) Americas – 06 (d) Asia – 03

Alternative Dispute Resolution, according to the Wax Legal Dictionary refers to the method of resolving Disputes without litigation (going to court). It includes Early Natural Evaluation, Negotiation, Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration. It is used in a wide range of case types including Juvenile felonies, Government negotiations, and it is also a significant method for resolving disputes amongst businessmen. The need for deepening Alternative Dispute Resolution need not to be under-estimated or over-emphasized. 

A consideration of the following data shows us why.

Dr. James Magara in his book: Positioning Africa for the 21st Century. The pivotal role of Leadership and think tanks notes the following statistics which should be a point of concern for African Governments starting on their journey to 2063 and other stakeholders who serve in Conflict/ Dispute Resolution services:

“The World Population is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100, according to a United Nations report, World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision,published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Of specific interest to Africa, from 2017 to 2050, it is expected that half of the world’s population will be concentrated in just nine countries, five of which are in Africa: India, Nigeria, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, Ethiopia, the United Republic of Tanzania, the United States of America, Uganda and Indonesia (Ordered by their expected contribution to total growth). Between 2017 and 2050, the populations of 26 African countries are projected to expand to at least double their current size. More than half of the anticipated growth in global population between now and 2050 is expected to occur in Africa. Of the additional 2.2 billion people who may be added between 2017 and 2050, 1.3 billion will be added in Africa. By 2050, 1.8 billion babies will be born in Africa; the continent’s population will double in size; and its under 18 population will increase by two thirds to reach almost 1 billion. Africa is the only region where the population is projected to keep increasing throughout the 21st Century.

Currently, there are 1.2 billion people on the continent, more than 5 times the population in 1950. By 2050, Africa’s population will double to 2.4 billion, eventually reaching 4.2 billion by the end of the century, just about the entire world population in 1977. Africa is not the first region in the world to undergo such a rapid population growth. America in the 19th Century, China and the Asian sub-continent in the first half of the 20th century also experience the same. The difference with the African experience is that growth is happening at a time of the most rapid global Socio - Economic and political changes ever and from a rural unskilled population base.

In addition to rapid population growth is the large scale migration to urban areas. By 2030, sixty percent of Africans will be living in cities, growing from 36 percent of the population in 2010. Africa’s population of potentially productive youth will be the highest in the world. The continent’s urbanization rate, the highest in the world can lead to economic growth and transformation, at par with or even better than the current trajectories of China and other East Asian countries. However, without transformation, it can steer further into increased inequality, urban poverty, the proliferation of slums, and even social chaos such as that of the “Arab spring.” 

African nations cannot afford to continue functioning as if they are isolated from the rest of the world; they are not. The days of the African village that is totally disconnected to the rest of the world are long gone. The rest of the world has come to Africa like never before”

The above observations of population statistics and trends by Dr. Magara show that pro-active measures of addressing conflicts are very necessary and urgently required by Africa to guarantee her transformation. Take Uganda alone as an example, Land related conflicts form a bulk of the case load in Ugandan courts. The Police Crime Report 2013 notes that 891 land fraud cases were reported and investigated compared to 616 in 2012 indicating a 30.8% increase. Cases reported to Police synonymous to land disputes or conflict include: Malicious Damage to Property; Criminal Trespass; and obtaining money by false pretense. The National Court Case Census Report 2015 done by a Committee Constituted by the Chief Justice - His Lordship Bart Katurebe and chaired by the Hon. Justice Peter Adonyo established that there were 114,809 cases pending from all courts of law in Uganda under the categories of Civil, Criminal, Land, family, etc. All this data points to the increasing need for Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms as an Alternative pathway to access to justice. Court case backlog. Court case backlog has serious implications for access to justice, Increase in crime especially Mob Justice and Malicious damage to property stretching to violent crimes such as murder

Advocate Dumisa Ndebesa, Commissioner of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (as it then was), cited the relationship between access to Justice and the general levels of Community Development. He said Alternative Dispute Resolution frameworks should be designed for specific local and national level contexts and that it is increasingly understood that ADR is a critical pillar of good governance, given its roles in complementing formal legal systems particularly enhancing access to Justice in terms of cost and time.

The involvement of the Community in Dialogue-centered Mediation and Peace Building Initiatives pays very huge dividends in peace building . The approach involves employing Public Hearings where local, political, and religious leaders plus other stakeholders are involved in supporting disputing parties settle their issues amicably. For instance, many land disputes, locus interventions, are able to identify key issues for example distinguishing border disputes from land conflicts and addressing them as such. Those with border disputes, for instance, can be assisted to mutually agree on boundary marks. Those with land disputes can with sufficient guidance settle them amicably. Consent Agreements generated by parties in dispute can be translated into consent judgments that Courts of law or any other relevant institution can use to conclude a matter. They can even use these agreements to process land titles for their land and any other related transactions. 

Such approaches are yet to gain traction in Uganda and on the continent due to limited capacity. In areas which have benefited from our service have greatly transformed. Money that would have been spent pursuing a solution in court is put to productive ventures once the parties settle their disputes. The training of more Mediators and Peace Ambassadors right from the local level; partnering with Organisations Rotary International; Great Lakes Peace Center; Institute for Economics and Peace ( with their deep and elaborate peace research); all of whom, are also passionate about Conflict Resolution and Peace Building; Sensitization of masses on socio-economic advantages of Conflict Resolution and Peace Building, can have a ripple effect when such interventions and activities are scaled to the East African and African (Continental) level. 

Conclusively, it has been said that,”There is no way to peace, peace is the way.” For a peaceful society with harmonious co-existence of its people, is a strong foundation for the continent's efforts to sustainable development. This is because if we Africans can afford to live together as brethren, we then agree to die together as fools. Therefore, Peace is the way for the Africa we want.