The first coordinated workshop took place in Wera, Amuria District, in 1999, carrying the theme “Ekwaikisi ai?” (“What should we do?”).This workshop marked the beginning of TIP. Soon after, the associates conducted dialogue meetings on that theme at community level with the aim of making the local people own the process of peace building. Other activities, such as the training of clergy and local leaders and meetings with Karimojong elders to reduce the threat of cattle raids followed. There was however a challenge conducting the dialogue meetings as every time they were held, Karimojong warriors attacked. There was also the spectre of ex-fighters of former UPA rebels.
The decision to formalise TIP took protracted discussions about the focus of the organisation which some members wanted to be peace building while others thought livelihoods were equally important for a region ravaged by strife, some suggested that it should be a women’s organisation. However, by 2000, there was pressure from long term associates to register the organisation with the Registrar of Companies. Teso Initiative for Peace (TIP) was then officially born with a focus on peace building in the Teso – Karamoja region. However, it was not until 2005 that a certificate of registration as a company limited by guarantee without a share capital was received. In the meantime, TIP registered with the National NGO Board in 2001.
In 2002, first bonds with the former German Development Service (DED, now GIZ) were tied which resulted in a cooperation and the funding of the “Bridging the gap” programme since 2005.
Stephen Makumbi was identified as Programme Coordinator in 2003 but due to lack of funds, all staff except the coordinator was laid off. There were challenges relating to payments of rent and salaries and TIP was at risk of being closed in its infancy. However, some financial support (UGX 1 million) was obtained from DED early 2005 and staff were re-engaged on a voluntary basis. Some meetings were later organised between board members and the then Civil Peace Advisor over lack of financial support but these did not resolve the difficult situation. This led to the Chair of the Board resigning voluntarily in 2005. Mr Opian Jorem Obicho took over as Ag. Board chair and organised the first General Assembly for TIP members in 2006 at Soroti Lion’s Club. The first AGM elected board held its first planning workshop to start the implementation of the “Bridging the Gap” project.