‘We Thought South Africa Was Paradise’ – Ugandan Returnees

KYANKWANZI, Uganda: Ugandans evacuated from South Africa after deadly xenophobic attacks said on Sunday they had left home believing the country offered guaranteed prosperity, only to discover that opportunities in Uganda had been overlooked.

Speaking on behalf of 1,030 returnees after a two-week rehabilitation programme at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, Felix Mugabi said many had travelled to South Africa convinced it was a “paradise” where success came more easily than at home.

“Many of us left believing success could only be found abroad,” Mugabi said.

“Today, we have discovered that Uganda offers enormous opportunities if we embrace hard work and government programmes.”

The group was flown back by Uganda Airlines following xenophobic violence in South Africa that killed three Ugandans and displaced hundreds more.

Mugabi said many returnees had lost businesses, jobs and property during the attacks but had emerged from the rehabilitation programme determined to rebuild their lives in Uganda.

He said participants now planned to invest in agriculture, manufacturing, vocational trades and entrepreneurship, adding that many possessed skills in automotive engineering, construction, carpentry, tailoring, metal fabrication, leather works, information technology and real estate.

“We thought South Africa was a paradise,” Mugabi said.

“What we have learnt here is that the opportunities we were searching for abroad actually exist in Uganda.”

President Yoweri Museveni echoed that message, urging Ugandans to stop risking their lives in search of jobs overseas when Uganda offered opportunities in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and the digital economy.

“Why would Ugandans leave such a beautiful country to go roaming around looking for jobs elsewhere?” Museveni asked.

The president cited examples of successful Ugandan farmers and entrepreneurs, arguing that wealth creation was possible through efficient use of land, industrialisation and value addition.

Museveni also revealed that he had spoken to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over the attacks.

“I told President Ramaphosa that what is happening is dangerous for Africa,” Museveni said, adding that he had urged his South African counterpart to “deal decisively with xenophobia because welcoming fellow Africans is the right thing to do.”

To support reintegration, Museveni announced 2 billion Ugandan shillings for the group, in addition to 2 million shillings for each household head to facilitate transport home and encourage investment through government wealth-creation programmes such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said the evacuation was one of Uganda’s largest humanitarian operations involving citizens abroad, while Acting State Minister for Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo said Uganda was engaging Pretoria to establish the extent of losses suffered by Ugandan-owned businesses during the violence. He confirmed that three Ugandans were killed in the attacks.