The Ugandan government has committed Shs2 billion to support a savings and credit cooperative organisation for 200 people who have returned from South Africa, providing them with financial literacy and business training to restart their economic lives. A two-day workshop concluded on October 15 at Enterprise Uganda offices in Butabika, where participants received training in financial management, business formation and entrepreneurship. Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul, representing the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, said President Yoweri Museveni was backing the returnees' SACCO with the funding. "This support is an important step towards helping our people rebuild their livelihoods. We want returnees to invest in productive businesses, restore their financial independence and create opportunities for fellow Ugandans who may return in the future," Okul said.
Beyond the financial commitment, the government said it would help returnees obtain documentation to recover equipment left in South Africa and would engage the South African government over possible compensation for assets abandoned when they departed. Charles Ocici, Executive Director of Enterprise Uganda, stressed that reintegration required more than money alone, particularly for those who had lost accumulated assets over several years. "What is the mindset of a returnee who comes back thinking, 'I have lost everything I worked for, and I am home with nothing'? Recovery requires more than money. They must recognise that they still have skills, experience and the ability to build again," Ocici said. He explained that entrepreneurial training would help participants identify viable business opportunities, make informed investment decisions and manage their finances more effectively.
Equity Bank Uganda, which supported the workshop, encouraged participants to adopt a disciplined approach. Bob Paul Lusembo, the bank's Head of Micro Segments, told attendees to start small and expand gradually through careful financial management. "There is no dignity in poverty. We want our returnees to regain their confidence, start small and build businesses that support their families," Lusembo said. He highlighted saving, financial knowledge and business planning as essential foundations for sustainable enterprise development.
Mathias Baguma, chairman of the returnees' group, said the workshop had equipped participants with practical knowledge and guidance on restarting their livelihoods. The combination of the Shs2 billion government commitment, entrepreneurship training and financial literacy is intended to provide a foundation for the returnees as they work to rebuild their economic lives. Success will depend on their ability to access markets, secure appropriate financing and implement effective business management practices as they translate their training into operating enterprises.