The government's rehabilitation programme for Ugandans repatriated from South Africa is restoring hope, rebuilding confidence, and equipping returnees with the knowledge and skills needed to become
productive citizens, Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko, Joint Staff Political Commissariat of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), has said.
Speaking to the returnees at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Maj. Gen. Matsiko commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for what he described as his unwavering commitment to protecting Ugandans wherever they are and ensuring they are given a second chance to rebuild their lives.
The returnees are currently undergoing a two-week government rehabilitation programme that includes psychosocial support, patriotism and ideological orientation, financial literacy, wealth creation, and civic
education before they return to their respective districts.
Maj. Gen. Matsiko said the government's decision to repatriate Ugandans affected by insecurity and xenophobic violence in South Africa reflects President Museveni's longstanding commitment to the
welfare of Ugandans.
"This intervention demonstrates the President's compassion and commitment to his people. Since his youth, he has always stood with those facing hardship. When the government learned that Ugandans were experiencing insecurity in South Africa, it acted swiftly to bring them home safely," he said.
He explained that the rehabilitation programme is designed to help the returnees regain confidence, rebuild their lives, and contribute meaningfully to Uganda's socio-economic transformation.
Drawing lessons from the Biblical parable of the prodigal son, Maj. Gen. Matsiko said the government had chosen compassion over condemnation by welcoming the returnees home and giving them an opportunity to start afresh "Like the father who warmly welcomed the prodigal son, the government has embraced these Ugandans and is preparing them for a new beginning.
Through psychosocial support, financial education, and patriotic orientation, they are being equipped to rebuild their lives," he said.
Maj. Gen. Matsiko urged the returnees to embrace wealth creation, innovation, and entrepreneurship, describing them as the surest pathways to both personal success and national development.
He observed that although Africa is richly endowed with natural resources and enormous potential, its progress has historically been hindered by slavery, colonialism, and external exploitation.
According to him, political independence offers Africans an opportunity to restore their dignity through production, innovation, and wealth creation.
He encouraged the returnees to identify opportunities within their communities rather than wait for formal employment. "Jobs are created by people who solve problems in society. Every challenge presents an opportunity to innovate, produce goods and services, and create employment for yourself and others," he noted.
The senior UPDF officer also called on Africans to strengthen unity and reject discrimination against one another.He said the experiences many Ugandans endured in South Africa highlight the importance of promoting Pan-Africanism, regional integration, and peaceful coexistence across the continent.
According to Maj. Gen. Matsiko, regional integration expands markets,strengthens security, and creates greater economic opportunities for African countries."The future of Africa lies in unity, not division. Together we are stronger economically, politically, and strategically," he emphasised.
Maj. Gen. Matsiko challenged the returnees to reject what he described as the colonial mindset that undermines confidence in Africa and encourages young people to believe that success can only be found
abroad.Instead, he urged Ugandans to appreciate their country's peace, favourable climate, improving infrastructure, and growing economic opportunities.
“We must believe in ourselves, appreciate our country, and recognise that Uganda offers enormous opportunities for those who are willing to work hard," he said.
He expressed confidence that the returnees would become ambassadors of patriotism and mindset transformation in their communities.
“Those who have understood these lessons share them with others, they will inspire a new generation committed to innovation, wealth creation, and national development," he added.
The returnees are expected to complete the rehabilitation programme on Sunday, July 19, 2026, before returning to their respective homes, where they will be linked to various government wealth creation initiatives as they rebuild their livelihoods.
The rehabilitation programme forms part of the government's broader commitment to supporting Ugandans returning from difficult circumstances abroad by facilitating their successful reintegration into
society and empowering them to contribute to the country's socio-economic transformation.
