Kyankwanzi, Uganda: The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has trained Ugandans recently repatriated from South Africa on business start-up, formalisation and intellectual property protection as part of government efforts to help them rebuild their livelihoods after returning home.
The training was conducted on Wednesday at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, where the returnees are undergoing reintegration and empowerment programmes following their evacuation from South Africa.
The session was led by URSB Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho, alongside officials from the bureau, who guided participants on the legal and practical steps required to establish sustainable businesses in Uganda.
The session focused on equipping the returnees with practical knowledge on business registration, enterprise formalisation, brand protection and other key aspects of entrepreneurship to enable them transition successfully into self-employment.
The bureau noted that formalising businesses not only enhances credibility but also enables entrepreneurs to access financing, government programmes and wider market opportunities.
Participants were also sensitised on the importance of protecting trademarks and other intellectual property rights to safeguard their business ideas and brands.
The initiative aims to provide the returnees with a strong foundation as they begin rebuilding their lives after being evacuated from South Africa.
Supporting reintegration
The business training forms part of a broader government reintegration programme designed to support Ugandans returning from South Africa following their evacuation.
Government has been implementing a series of interventions aimed at helping the returnees regain economic independence through skills development, entrepreneurship support and access to relevant public services.
URSB said empowering returnees with business knowledge will enable them to establish viable enterprises, create employment opportunities and contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic development.
The government has pledged to continue working with various institutions to ensure the returnees receive the support necessary to successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Over 700 Ugandan nationals have now been repatriated from South Africa since the exercise began at the beginning of the month following escalating incidents of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
Upon their return, the government launched a multi-sector reintegration programme involving various ministries, departments and agencies to provide psychosocial support, entrepreneurship training, skills development and livelihood opportunities aimed at helping the returnees restart their lives.
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