President Museveni urges Ugandans repatriated from South Africa to build wealth at home, pledges Shs2bn support

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reported that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressed 1,030 Ugandans recently brought back from South Africa during a pass-out ceremony at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, urging them to pursue livelihoods in Uganda rather than assume prosperity is only possible abroad. The returnees had spent 15 days at NALI receiving counseling, rehabilitation and patriotic orientation under a programme coordinated by the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps after their evacuation following violent attacks on foreign African nationals in South Africa.

According to the report, Museveni said Uganda has opportunities in commercial farming, manufacturing, services, artisan work and the digital economy. He cited examples of Ugandans who had built enterprises through intensive farming, poultry and Parish Development Model support, and argued that value addition and modern agriculture should anchor job creation. He also said he had raised the violence with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and urged Ugandans not to retaliate against South Africans living or investing in Uganda.

The President announced Shs2 billion for the returnees’ reintegration, plus Shs2 million for each household head to travel back to home districts. He also asked them to document losses of property or businesses in South Africa so government could assess possible support. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said Uganda Airlines transported the 1,030 citizens free of charge, and added that 525 Ugandans stranded in Cambodia had also sought help to return.

Acting Foreign Affairs state minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo said three Ugandans died in the South Africa attacks and that bereaved families received Shs10 million each. Officials said the NALI group included 738 adults and 292 children, with identity registration, health screening and other public services provided during the programme.