President Yoweri Kaguta 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 a 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, President Museveni encouraged them to take advantage of the economic opportunities available within Uganda instead of seeking uncertain livelihoods abroad.
“I encourage you, especially the youth, to embrace commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT, where the greatest opportunities lie,” the President said.
Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the returnees as they rebuild their lives, noting that the Shs2 billion SACCO fund would provide access to capital for businesses and other income-generating activities.
“The Government will support their reintegration, including strengthening their SACCO,” he said.
The President also urged Ugandans working abroad under difficult conditions to consider returning home and investing in opportunities available within the country.
Reflecting on the xenophobic violence that prompted the evacuation, Museveni said Uganda rejects discrimination against fellow Africans, recalling the country’s support for 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.
He 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 before being taken to NALI in Kyankwanzi for rehabilitation and skills training. Government says the Shs2 billion SACCO fund is expected to facilitate their economic reintegration by providing financial support for business start-ups and other livelihood projects as they resettle in their communities.
