Sports4Peace in 2026
Sports4Peace is a nine-month initiative that uses sport as a tool for promoting peace, unity, teamwork, respect and peaceful coexistence among young people. The 2026 programme, which started in April, is being implemented in schools, seminaries and communities across Uganda.
During the initial phase, Sports4Peace trainings were conducted at St. Paul’s National Seminary, Kinyamasika in Fort Portal; St. Kizito Senior Secondary School, Bugolobi; and Mbuya Focolare Centre in Kampala. More than 140 young people and students participated in the three training sessions.
Participants were introduced to the Sports4Peace philosophy, the Golden Rule, practical peace-building games and the Sports4Peace Dice. The trainings combined theory with practical activities, enabling young people to experience how sports can transform competition into cooperation and strengthen friendship, inclusion and mutual respect.
The programme has also strengthened partnerships with schools, seminaries, teachers, youth leaders and the Focolare community, with participants committing to share and implement Sports4Peace activities within their institutions and communities.
The initial activities have generated strong enthusiasm, with participants recommending that the programme be expanded to reach more schools and communities. Key priorities for the coming months include training more animators, providing additional Sports4Peace materials and conducting follow-up activities to sustain the programme.
Despite the emerging Ebola-related health situation in Uganda, the programme remains committed to its objectives. Activities are being monitored in line with Ministry of Health guidance and will resume or continue as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Sports4Peace is building a generation of young people who choose cooperation over conflict and use sport to create a culture of peace in their schools and communities.