By Kabuye Ronald
President Yoweri Museveni has awarded Shs2 million to each of the 1,030 Ugandans repatriated from South Africa and pledged Shs2 billion to establish and strengthen a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) to support their reintegration into society.
The President made the announcement on Sunday during the pass-out ceremony at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, where the returnees have spent nearly a month undergoing training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, life skills and other practical income-generating skills.
The Ugandans were evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks that forced them to return home.
Addressing the graduates, Museveni encouraged them to focus on the economic opportunities available within Uganda rather than seeking uncertain livelihoods abroad.
“I encourage you, especially the youth, to embrace commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT, where the greatest opportunities lie,” he said.
Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to helping the returnees rebuild their lives, saying the SACCO would provide much-needed financial support to enable them to start businesses and other income-generating ventures.
“The Government will support their reintegration, including strengthening their SACCO,” the President said.
He also called on Ugandans working abroad under difficult conditions to consider returning home and investing in the opportunities available in the country.
Reflecting on the xenophobic violence that triggered the evacuation, Museveni said Uganda rejects discrimination against fellow Africans, recalling the country’s solidarity with South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.
“Uganda stood with South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, and we cannot accept the notion that fellow Africans are ‘xenos’ in Africa,” he said.
The President also conveyed his condolences to the families of the three Ugandans who lost their lives during the attacks.
A total of 1,030 Ugandans were repatriated from South Africa and subsequently taken to NALI in Kyankwanzi for rehabilitation and skills training. The Shs2 billion SACCO fund is expected to strengthen their economic reintegration by providing access to capital for businesses and other livelihood projects as they resettle in their communities.
