Uganda Management Institute (UMI) hosted a strategic public policy dialogue on 30^th May 2026 to address the intricate links between regional stability and economic progress, focusing specifically on the ongoing pacification efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and appraisal of the African Union potential. The dialogue which was convened at UMI attracted a distinguished assembly of diplomats, academic scholars, policy specialists, security experts and international students to dissect the persistent security challenges within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and their broader implications for the Great Lakes Region.

In an era where regional stability is increasingly recognized as the bedrock of sustainable economic growth, the dialogue was premised on the urgent need for African – led intellectual and policy frameworks that go beyond short term military solutions. By facilitating this critical conversation, UMI underscored its commitment to addressing the root causes of regional instability, ranging from conflicting stakeholder interests to the illicit exploitation of natural resources. As the continent looks toward the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns” initiative, this session provided a vital space for stakeholders to evaluate current peacebuilding architectures and propose innovative, governance led pathways for ensuring that the region’s vast potential is no longer overshadowed by the specter of instability.

Director General’s remarks

Professor James Nkata, the Director General of UMI was represented by Professor Gerald Kanyeija. He delivered an insightful address during the opening session, that underscored the Institute’s strategic mandate in bridging the critical divide between academic research and actionable public policy. He framed high-level public dialogues not merely as academic exercises, but as essential thought-leadership platforms designed to translate complex regional theories into practical governance solutions. Professor Kanyeija observed that while traditional academic research frequently focuses on domestic governance, regional security remains a vital yet disproportionately overlooked domain within the scholarly landscape.

Consequently, he reaffirmed UMI’s commitment to establishing itself as a premier continental hub for evidence based policymaking. By fostering a deeper synergy between researchers, diplomats, and security experts, the Institute aims to ensure that academic rigor and intellectual insights serve as the foundational pillars for regional stability strategies, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and integrated Great Lakes Region.

Key note address

The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr. Solomon Winyi, from Makerere University’s Department of Political Science and Public Administration. He meticulously explored the multifaceted complexities of the DRC insurgency, arguing that regional peace processes are frequently hampered by the divergent and often conflicting interests of various stakeholders.

Dr. Winyi advocated for a paradigm shift centered on enhanced African Union (AU) coordination, calling for a more synchronized effort to align the overlapping initiatives of regional blocs such as the East African Community (EAC) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). He emphasized the necessity of moving beyond purely kinetic or military interventions, suggesting that sustainable stability requires a transition toward long-term, holistic peacebuilding strategies. This includes a heavy focus on community reconciliation, the socio-economic empowerment of the youth, and comprehensive governance reform to address the structural drivers of violence.

Furthermore, Dr. Winyi highlighted the critical importance of transparent resource management, stressing that the international community and regional actors must collaborate to tackle the illicit exploitation of natural resources, a practice that continues to provide the financial oxygen for armed groups and perpetuates chronic instability within the region.

Strengthening Institutional Sovereignty

Dr. Andrew Masiko, a lecturer in Diplomacy and International Relations at UMI contributed to the discussion by questioning the long-term sustainability of external peacekeeping missions. He stressed the urgent need for the DRC to prioritize the training and equipping of a national military capable of securing its own borders and managing its unique geographical challenges.

Pillars of Regional Peace, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Jeje Odongo, Ambassador Leonard Mugerwa (Head of International Legal and Social Affairs) detailed Uganda’s strategic three-pronged framework for peacebuilding, which is rooted in the fundamental belief that national responsibility must lead the way, as a country’s leadership and citizens possess the most intimate understanding of their own unique internal challenges.

This domestic ownership is then reinforced by regional support, which leverages the deep contextual knowledge and shared interests of neighboring states, and is further bolstered by international partnerships where the global community acts as a supportive ally to facilitate, rather than dictate, local initiatives.

Ambassador Mugerwa emphasized that this collaborative architecture is essential because peace remains the non-negotiable prerequisite for socio-economic transformation, a reality exemplified by Uganda’s own sustained stability which has enabled the nation to maintain its humanitarian commitment as a sanctuary for nearly two million refugees.

UMI’s commitment to regional transformation through intellectual dialogues

As an institution anchored in a legacy of excellence in management, administration, and governance, UMI remains steadfast in its role as a premier catalyst for intellectual engagements. By consistently providing a neutral and high-level platform for public dialogues, thought leadership sessions, and brainstorming debates, UMI ensures that academic inquiry transcends the classroom to actively shape the socio-economic trajectory of the nation and the continent.

This dialogue on the Great Lakes Region is a testament to our mission of bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical, high-impact policy solutions. The strategic recommendations and insights harvested from this session are not merely academic conclusions but they serve as a vital resource for policymakers, diplomats, and development partners. By integrating these expert perspectives into actionable frameworks, UMI continues to champion the collaborative effort required to foster a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous Great Lakes Region, ultimately securing a better future for the generations to come.