Founded in Kampala, Uganda, the John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre has long promoted Gospel values in the public sphere, drawing inspiration from the life and teaching of St John Paul II.

The Centre carries out a wide range of educational, social and humanitarian activities, with a focus on building a culture of peace, protecting human dignity and promoting democratic values and human rights. Its mission is rooted in the holistic development of individuals, in line with the vision of St John Paul II, who emphasised that true peace can only be achieved when the rights of every person are respected.

The Centre’s activities cover a wide range of social and humanitarian initiatives. It actively combats human trafficking and modern slavery, supports street children in Kampala, and runs assistance programmes for refugees, particularly in the northern regions of the country, including the Diocese of Arua. At the same time, it promotes human rights, good governance and active civic participation. The Centre places particular emphasis on girls’ education and raising social awareness.

An important part of the Centre’s work is building peace and supporting reconciliation processes. It operates at the level of families and local communities, as well as in the broader social context, strengthening relationships between refugees and host communities. At the same time, it undertakes initiatives to protect the environment, addressing environmental degradation and the effects of climate change. All these activities are carried out in cooperation with various religious groups and institutions, reflecting a practical approach to interreligious dialogue.

The Centre is founded on the conviction that faith cannot remain merely a matter of words, but must be expressed through concrete social action. This is reflected in its motto: ‘Faith does justice.’ The Centre was inspired by the dramatic experiences of the people of northern Uganda, who, during years of armed conflict, were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in towns, often sleeping on the streets for fear of attacks. In this context, the witness of John Baptist Odama was of particular importance. In solidarity with those who suffered, he shared their fate, drawing the attention of the world to their situation.

Receiving the Premio San Giovanni Paolo II is not only a recognition of the Centre’s achievements, but also a stimulus for further development. As Fr Olobo emphasises, the award strengthens the institution’s credibility and opens up new opportunities for international cooperation, enabling it to secure funding for future projects. At the same time, it confirms that the Centre’s activities remain closely aligned with the teaching of St John Paul II, particularly in the areas of human dignity, solidarity and social responsibility.

The work of the John Paul II Justice and Peace Centre shows that the legacy of St John Paul II is not merely part of the Church’s history, but a living source of inspiration for contemporary social initiatives. In a world marked by division, injustice and humanitarian crises, the Centre stands as an example that it is possible to build a society based on dialogue, cooperation and respect for the dignity of every person.