KYANKWANZI – Repatriated Ugandans from South Africa have been urged to seize opportunities under the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a sustainable bridge to self-reliance and household economic stability.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The charge was made by Julius Kapwepwe, Technical Advisor at the Parish Development Model Secretariat, while addressing returnees undergoing a 14-day orientation course at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.
Over 800 Ugandans rescued from xenophobic violence are currently undergoing orientation and healing courses at Kyankwanzi, with about 1,200 more registered returnees awaiting repatriation from South Africa in subsequent phases.
Speaking to the gathered returnees, Kapwepwe encouraged them to embrace opportunities under the government’s flagship poverty eradication programme.
He assured them that the Parish Development Model offers a sustainable pathway to self-reliance and improved household incomes, stressing that it is not too late to benefit.
“The Parish Development Model offers a sustainable pathway to self-reliance and improved household incomes. It is not too late to benefit from the government programme,” Kapwepwe said.
Kapwepwe further urged the participants to form cooperative groups and access government programmes through PDM SACCOs, emphasizing that collective action would strengthen their economic position.
During training sessions, the repatriated Ugandans were guided on practical skills, including the four-acre model, zero grazing, modern agricultural practices, and value addition strategies.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara commended the returnees for voluntarily accepting repatriation, telling them that the state-led rescue operation rose above domestic political divisions to protect vulnerable citizens abroad.
He further observed that several NUP supporters among the returnees had gained a newfound appreciation of the President’s leadership and the government’s dedication to safeguarding Ugandans in distress anywhere in the world.
The rehabilitation programme at Kyankwanzi places significant emphasis on both psychological healing from the trauma experienced during the vigilante attacks and practical economic reintegration.
The returnees, who fled threats from impoverished and unemployed South Africans during waves of xenophobic violence, expressed gratitude for the government’s intervention.
Many of the repatriated Ugandans have already outlined business ventures and practical skills they plan to pursue, demonstrating a strong commitment to contributing to their communities.
The programme at NALI Kyankwanzi offers a lifeline to citizens who faced harrowing experiences abroad, providing both psychological healing and practical pathways to economic independence.
Throughout the 14-day programme, participants are being equipped with the tools, knowledge, and support networks necessary to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s development.
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