President Museveni has given Shs2 million to each of the 1,030 Ugandans repatriated from South Africa and committed Shs2 billion to establish and strengthen a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) to support their reintegration.
The announcement was made on Sunday during the pass-out ceremony for the returnees at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, where they have spent nearly a month undergoing training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, life skills and other income-generating skills.
The group was repatriated after xenophobic attacks in South Africa forced them to return home.
Addressing the returnees, Museveni urged them to take advantage of the country’s economic opportunities instead of seeking risky livelihoods abroad.
“I encourage you, especially the youth, to embrace commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT, where the greatest opportunities lie,” Museveni said.
He assured the returnees that government would continue supporting their resettlement and economic recovery.
“The Government will support their reintegration, including strengthening their SACCO,” he said.
Museveni also appealed to Ugandans still working abroad under difficult conditions to consider returning home and investing in opportunities available in Uganda.
“I also appealed to Ugandans working abroad under difficult conditions to return home and seize the opportunities available here.”
Reflecting on the xenophobic violence that led to the evacuation, the President said Uganda rejects discrimination against fellow Africans.
“Uganda stood with South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, and we cannot accept the notion that fellow Africans are ‘xenos’ in Africa.”
He also extended his condolences to the families of the three Ugandans who lost their lives during the attacks.
“I convey my condolences to the families of the three Ugandans who lost their lives in South Africa.”
A total of 1,030 Ugandans were repatriated from South Africa following the xenophobic attacks. Upon their return, they were taken to NALI in Kyankwanzi, where they received training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, life skills and other practical skills aimed at helping them rebuild their livelihoods.
The Shs2 billion SACCO fund is expected to support their reintegration and provide capital for income-generating activities as they resettle in their communities.
