By Brian Atuhura
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, through it's Conflict Early Warning and Early Response Unit (CEWERU),has trained key stakeholders in Masindi District on conflict detection, prevention and response,in a move aimed at strengthening peace and stability at the local level.

The two day training,held at Lado hotel in Masindi Town, brought together district leaders, security officials and technical staff to equip them with skills to identify early warning signs of conflict and take timely action.

While facilitating the session, Joseph Muhumuza,a Conflict Analyst under CEWERU, outlined several early indicators of conflict.These include changes in body language and behavior, formation of cliques, unusual or provocative remarks and patterns of negative conduct that may eventually trigger open confrontation.

Muhumuza identified key drivers of conflict as lack of information and misinformation, relationship breakdowns fueled by strong emotions and repeated negative behavior, structural inequalities in the distribution of power and resources, lawlessness and human greed.

He emphasized that effective early warning requires systematic data collection, proper analysis and timely dissemination of information to the relevant authorities and institutions.He added that mediation plays a critical role in preventing escalation,but must be handled by individuals of high integrity, trustworthiness and competence,with a clear understanding of the issues at hand.

Speaking at the same training,Ben Turyahumura,the National Head of CEWERU,said the unit initially focused on the Karamoja cluster due to persistent challenges such as cattle rustling.However,he noted that CEWERU has since expanded it's operations to cover more regions and districts across the country.

"We have existed for over 20 years, covering about 60 districts where we conduct consultations to identify challenges on the ground,"Turyahumura said.

He explained that in reporting to the supervising ministry,the unit focuses on five key areas including governance related conflicts, economic disputes, environmental conflicts, social tensions and security related crimes such as murder and aggravated robbery.

Masindi Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer,Musa Kyamiza,urged participants to put the knowledge acquired into practice, calling on them to take an active role in mitigating conflicts within their communities.

"Let us continue spreading the gospel of conflict prevention,"he said.

Closing the engagement,the Assistant Resident District Commissioner Masindi,Hellen Tugume, called on stakeholders to act as peace ambassadors in their homes and communities, noting that conflict undermines service delivery and slows socio-economic development.

She urged participants to avoid actions that could spark disputes, emphasizing that sustainable development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.