Ugandans evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks have been encouraged to take advantage of government livelihood programmes, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM), as they rebuild their lives back home.
More than 600 Ugandans have so far been evacuated by the government from South Africa, where ongoing xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals has claimed the lives of three Ugandan citizens.
Speaking during an ongoing rehabilitation and ideological orientation programme for the returnees at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, Julius Kapwepwe, Technical Advisor at the Parish Development Model Secretariat, assured the returnees that they still have an opportunity to benefit from the government’s flagship poverty eradication programme.
“It is not too late to benefit from the Parish Development Model. Those who have not yet enrolled should register through their Parish Chief or LC II leadership and begin accessing the opportunities available under the programme,” Kapwepwe said.
He took participants through the key pillars of the Parish Development Model, explaining how they can utilise the initiative to improve their livelihoods and achieve economic transformation after returning home.
Kapwepwe urged the returnees to embrace agriculture as a viable source of income, highlighting practical enterprises such as the four-acre model, zero grazing and other modern farming practices that enable families to earn sustainable incomes even on small pieces of land.
“We encourage you to work together in groups so that you can fully benefit from government programmes and access opportunities through PDM SACCOs,” he said.
During an interactive session, several participants shared business ideas and skills they intend to pursue once they return to their respective communities.
Responding to their proposals, Kapwepwe encouraged them to prioritise value addition as a way of increasing income and competitiveness.
“Value addition increases the market value of your products, improves profitability and opens access to better markets. Focus on processing what you produce rather than selling raw products,” he advised.
He further urged the returnees to remain united, innovative and committed to productive ventures.
“The Parish Development Model offers a sustainable pathway to self-reliance and improved household incomes. Take advantage of it and use it to transform your lives,” Kapwepwe said.
The rehabilitation programme at NALI forms part of the government’s broader efforts to support the reintegration of Ugandans evacuated from South Africa by equipping them with practical skills, knowledge and access to opportunities that will enable them to rebuild their livelihoods and become economically self-reliant.
