By Sulaiman Kauki
KYANKWANZI — President Yoweri Museveni has announced a financial support package for 1,030 Ugandans who recently returned from South Africa after being displaced by xenophobic violence, with each returnee set to receive Shs2 million to help restart their lives.
The President also revealed that the returnees’ Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) will receive Shs2 billion to provide access to affordable financing and support income-generating activities.
Museveni made the announcement on Sunday while officiating at the closing ceremony of a two-week reintegration and skills development programme held at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.
Addressing the returnees, the President encouraged them to take advantage of opportunities available in Uganda instead of seeking livelihoods abroad. He said the country has abundant resources capable of creating employment and wealth for its citizens, urging young people to embrace local investment and entrepreneurship.
He questioned why many Ugandans continue to leave the country in search of jobs, arguing that Uganda offers significant potential for those willing to work and invest.
Museveni also disclosed that he had discussed the recent attacks on African migrants in South Africa with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
According to Museveni, he expressed concern that xenophobic violence threatens African unity and warned that hostility toward fellow Africans could undermine regional cooperation.
The President said Ramaphosa assured him that those behind the attacks do not represent the policies or values of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Museveni called on the South African leadership to take firm action against xenophobia, saying African countries should promote solidarity rather than division. He cautioned that retaliatory actions between nations could have far-reaching consequences for the continent.
The President further asked the returnees to provide government officials with detailed information about businesses, property and other assets they lost during the unrest so that authorities can assess how best to support their recovery.