23 June, 2026 · Most Significant Change Story
In Kibogi Ward, Atiak Town Council, Amuru District, Douglas Oketayot's journey reflects the transformative impact of community peacebuilding. Once living amidst persistent land disputes, domestic violence, and family neglect, Douglas has emerged as a respected local leader committed to promoting peace, justice, and inclusive development.
Before joining the Peace Project implemented by Regional Associates for Community Initiatives (RACI), Douglas struggled to resolve conflicts within his community. Like many residents, he witnessed how unresolved land disputes and family conflicts undermined social cohesion and community wellbeing.
A Journey of Personal Transformation
Through RACI's peacebuilding training, Douglas acquired practical skills in mediation, conflict resolution, community mobilization, lobbying, and inclusive leadership. The training also strengthened his personal values, encouraging integrity, forgiveness, accountability, and equal treatment of all community members regardless of gender.
"The training made me a God-fearing person who intends to work with the community without gender discrimination. This fostered community trust that eventually led to my election as Area Councilor III." — Douglas Oketayot
Empowered by these new skills and strengthened relationships with community members and political leaders, Douglas successfully contested for public office and now serves as the elected Area Councilor III for Kibogi Ward.
Building Peace Through Leadership
Today, Douglas actively mediates land-related conflicts and domestic disputes while encouraging dialogue instead of confrontation. His leadership has helped restore trust within the community and encouraged residents to seek peaceful solutions through local, cultural, and religious leaders.
"I was not able to handle any conflict matters, but now I believe I can handle them." — Douglas Oketayot
Beyond conflict resolution, Douglas has become a strong advocate for responsible parenting, encouraging families to provide better care for children as a strategy for reducing the number of children living on the streets. He has also mobilized residents to participate in government development programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM) and livestock restocking initiatives aimed at reducing household poverty.
Community-Level Change
Douglas believes the transformation extends beyond his personal achievements. He has witnessed greater community cooperation through locally established by-laws, guidance and counselling programmes, and sporting activities that have brought together people from different backgrounds to rebuild relationships previously damaged by conflict.
These collective efforts have contributed to stronger community cohesion and greater confidence in peaceful approaches to resolving disputes, particularly those involving land ownership and family disagreements.
Looking Ahead
Douglas envisions a future where communities experience fewer land disputes, stronger family relationships, and greater economic self-reliance. He also hopes continued investment in peacebuilding, adult literacy, girls' education, and community empowerment will enable even more individuals to become positive agents of change.
His story demonstrates that when individuals are equipped with practical peacebuilding skills and opportunities for leadership, they can influence lasting change—not only within themselves but throughout their communities.
As RACI continues implementing the Peace Project across Northern Uganda, stories like Douglas Oketayot's serve as powerful reminders that sustainable peace begins with empowered individuals who choose dialogue, inclusion, and service over conflict.