Welcome to Urugo Peace

In the Kirundi language, an urugo is the enclosure that protects ones home. Inside this enclosure, which is usually built in the form of a circle, are the small buildings that make up the family's living quarters as well as the storage barn for food and other items. At night, the family's cattle are brought into the urugo where they can spend the night in safety.

Even if a family is not wealthy, the urugo represents a place of peace and security. The family gathers here to share meals and to feel the importance of being a united and supportive community.

Thus the name Urugo Peace has been given to this site to symbolize our vision to create a circular enclosure of peace and security. This site is devoted to the Great Lakes Region of Africa, specifically Burundi, Rwanda and the western side of Congo. These areas continue to experience the social upheavals and violence that have their roots in the years of colonialism.

Through Urugo Peace we hope to highlight, not only the violence and fear that the people confront almost every day, but more importantly the traditions of peacemaking and conflict transformation that have their roots deep in the culture and history of the area. These traditions provide a real hope that peace based on true justice can become reality.

Urugo Peace will also introduce readers to local groups who have the vision and the courage needed to work for justpeace in the midst of much division and confusion. Through the stories and work of these groups, readers will see that despite much suffering and violence, seeds of hope and peace have sprouted and taken root firmly within the spirit of the people.