Faith-inspired peacemaking is a divine mandate to wage peace like war, transforming conflicts through love and reconciliation (Matthew 5:9). In Uganda, where colonial missionaries divided the Buganda Kingdom’s seven hills, religion has both fueled conflict and offered healing (Katongole, 2011). As a peace warrior, I embody this calling through rituals like Baptism, Communion, and charity, rooted in African communal spirituality (Mbiti, 1990).
Faith shapes peacebuilding by framing conflicts as ruptures in our relationship with God and neighbor, offering roles for restoration (Lederach, 1997). My weekly practices—Celtic liturgy, meditation, and acts of compassion—sustain this work. In 2014, facing threats over Uganda’s anti-gay bill, I engaged church leaders nonviolently, creating safe spaces for dialogue. In Gambella’s refugee camps, living among the Nuer people opened doors for transformation.
Challenges include funding, family welfare, and navigating interfaith contexts, yet the Great Commission calls us to plant Kingdom seeds universally (Matthew 28:19-20). By including enemies in decision-making, we nurture constructive encounters, as Desmond Tutu modeled (Tutu, 1994).
Call to Action: Become a faith-inspired peace warrior. Join the Pan African Peace Network to learn cross-cultural peacemaking and love your enemies.
For more about Philip Kakungulu: Click here.
Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Matthew 5:9, Matthew 28:19-20.
Katongole, E. (2011). The Sacrifice of Africa: A Political Theology for Africa. Eerdmans.
Lederach, J. P. (1997). Building Peace: Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided Societies. United States Institute of Peace.
Mbiti, J. S. (1990). African Religions and Philosophy. Heinemann.
Tutu, D. (1994). The Rainbow People of God: The Making of a Peaceful Revolution. Doubleday.
I thank God for this amazing man. He articulates so well the tension when one focuses on a specific subject but worries that the focus distracts from the great commision. Phillip is just the person who, it appears, God has placed in this place for this work. This glorifies Gods name and blesses an entire nation. To God be the glory.
Thank you Sharon, Peace Like War Must be Waged!!!