KYANKWANZI – Gen. Henry Tumukunde has urged Ugandans recently repatriated from South Africa to embrace the abundant opportunities back home and become active participants in the country’s socio-economic transformation.
Speaking at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi during a patriotism and ideological orientation programme organised by the Patriotism Secretariat, Gen. Tumukunde welcomed the returnees and challenged them to put their skills, knowledge and experiences acquired abroad to productive use in Uganda’s development.
“It was an enriching discussion on nation building and the vital role every Ugandan can play in our country’s development. I warmly welcomed them back home and encouraged them to put their knowledge and experience to work in advancing Uganda’s progress,” Gen. Tumukunde said.
He delivered a lecture on opportunities available to Ugandans, emphasizing that returning home should be viewed as a fresh beginning rather than a setback. He noted that Uganda is undergoing significant economic and social transformation that requires the contribution of all citizens, including those returning from the diaspora.
Gen. Tumukunde’s lecture forms part of the ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration programme for Ugandans evacuated from South Africa, which combines patriotism training, ideological orientation and civic education to prepare them for meaningful participation in national development.
The function was also attended by the Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre and Government Spokesperson, Alan Kasujja, who challenged the returnees to become ambassadors of truth and patriotism while taking advantage of opportunities within Uganda.
Mr. Kasujja underscored the importance of understanding Uganda’s development journey and appreciating the progress that has been registered over the years. He encouraged the returnees to reject misinformation and instead become responsible citizens who contribute positively to their communities.
He noted that patriotism goes beyond love for one’s country and must be reflected in hard work, integrity and active participation in nation-building efforts.
The Government spokesperson further urged the returnees to utilise the knowledge and experiences they gained while living abroad to create employment opportunities and contribute to Uganda’s economic growth.
Officials at the programme emphasized that the government’s intervention is not only intended to bring stranded Ugandans back home but also to empower them with the ideological grounding and practical knowledge necessary to successfully reintegrate into society.
The rehabilitation programme at Kyankwanzi has continued to attract senior government leaders who engage the returnees on topics ranging from patriotism and leadership to wealth creation, entrepreneurship and national development.
The initiative is part of broader government efforts to ensure that Ugandans returning from difficult circumstances abroad are equipped with the confidence and skills needed to rebuild their lives while contributing to the country’s development agenda.
For many of the returnees, the lectures have provided an opportunity to reflect on their experiences and explore ways through which they can meaningfully participate in Uganda’s transformation journey.
Gen. Tumukunde’s message, coupled with Mr. Kasuja’s call for patriotism and responsible citizenship, highlighted the government’s commitment to turning the returnees into productive citizens and champions of Uganda’s progress.
