Ugandan-Turkey returnees urged to tap into govt wealth-creation programs

Kampala, (UG):– The Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Hajj Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi has revealed that the government has plans to rehabilitate Ugandan returnees evacuated from Turkey with skills from the Presidential Skilling Project to ensure that they become self-reliant and grow domestically.

Hajj Walusimbi said this during a special meeting with Mr Kayondo Yasin, the Chairperson of the Ugandan Returnees from Turkey whom he encouraged to continue coordinating with the young people who have returned home and that the government is willing to unite and rehabilitate them since they have skills that can add value to socio-economic transformation.

“Comfort returnees and give them hope such that they can gain strength to face the new normal back home. Work hand-in-hand, unite & document returnees, to immerse their skills in President Museveni’s job and wealth creation programs,” Ambassador Walusimbi emphasized.

In his remarks, Mr Kayondo, the leader of the returnees thanked the Ambassador for laying a firm foundation and platform, through which they express their concerns to the government.

Kayondo, however, noted that some of the returnees are deported without anything, completely, hence find difficulties trying to adapt to life back home.

In this sense, he requested the government to instil hope in the returnees and lay modalities to have them taken on into the workforce since the majority have attained skills in tailoring, shoe making, and welding, among others, which cross cards with the Presidential empowerment initiatives.

“We were welcomed at Entebbe International Airport by Immigration authorities who made us feel at home. I ask the government to swiftly intervene, to help those who are still in Turkey’s detention centres,” remarked Kayondo as he thanked the government for the efforts rendered to them, during tough times.

The diaspora boss, Hajj Walusimbi reassured Kayondo that the government is willing and has ongoing measures, especially negotiations with relevant Turkish authorities & rehabilitation of returnees to resolve the concerns.

In addition, the Ambassador said that the Office of the President and relevant stakeholders will in April, organise and host returnees from Turkey & other states, to forge a path for working solutions.

DailyExpress has since established that Mr Kayondo Yasin was a community leader for 8 years and is part of the Uganda returnees from Turkey. At least 5000 Ugandans are set to be repatriated from Turkey with over 470 already deported in the recent months.