A cross-border peace prayer initiative has been launched in Nyimur sub-county, Lamwo district, bringing together religious leaders, local communities and government representatives in a renewed call for peaceful relations between Uganda and South Sudan.

The initiative was launched at Paracelle Primary School during a gathering that featured prayers for peace, unity and stronger relations between communities living on both sides of the Uganda–South Sudan border.

The launch began with Holy Mass led by Father William, parish priest of Uganda Martyrs Palabek, alongside Christians from other denominations who joined the prayers.

The event was initially expected to be officiated by Minister Hillary Obaloker Onek, who was listed as the chief guest and launcher.

However, the minister was unable to attend because of an urgent engagement and was represented through the Office of the President by the Resident District Commissioner’s office.

The Assistant RDC, Mr Bob, represented the RDC at the function.

In a message delivered on his behalf, Minister Onek expressed support for the initiative and pledged continued backing for efforts aimed at promoting peace and strengthening relations between communities along the border.

The minister said lasting peace begins at the individual and family level before extending to the wider community.

“Peace must begin with me and you, then our families, and eventually our communities,” he said, emphasising the role of individuals in creating peaceful societies.

He also commended the government for efforts that contributed to the restoration of peace in northern Uganda, noting that maintaining stability requires continued cooperation among communities and neighboring countries.

According to the minister, the next priority should be to deepen friendship and cooperation between Ugandan communities and their counterparts in South Sudan.

He said the cross-border prayer provides an opportunity for communities to come together beyond political and national boundaries, build trust and promote peaceful coexistence.

For residents of border communities, such initiatives are seen as important because people on both sides share social, cultural and family ties despite living in different countries.

The border between Uganda and South Sudan has long been an important meeting point for communities involved in trade, farming, family relations and other social activities.

Strengthening peaceful relations therefore remains important for the security and livelihoods of people living in the border areas.

Organisers say the prayer initiative is intended to become a platform through which communities can regularly reflect on peace, forgiveness, unity and neighbourly relations.

The main celebration of the cross-border peace prayer is scheduled for December 19, 2026. The previous celebration was held in Madi Opei sub-county in 2025, providing a foundation for the initiative to expand its message of peace across the border.

The organisers hope that continued participation by religious leaders, government officials, cultural leaders, young people and ordinary residents will help turn the prayer initiative into a sustained community movement for peace.

For communities in Lamwo and neighbouring areas of South Sudan, the message is simple: lasting peace is not only a responsibility of governments and security agencies but also of ordinary people who interact, trade and live together every day.

The initiative therefore seeks to make peace a shared responsibility, beginning with individuals and families and extending across communities and national borders.