Two hundred Ugandans who returned from South Africa have undergone financial literacy and business formation training aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to rebuild their livelihoods and establish sustainable enterprises.
The two-day workshop, held at Enterprise Uganda offices in Butabika, concluded on Thursday, October 15, bringing together the returnees for training in financial management, entrepreneurship and business planning.
The programme was organised with support from Equity Bank Uganda as part of efforts to help the participants recover economically after returning home.
Charles Ocici, Executive Director of Enterprise Uganda, said successful reintegration required more than financial assistance, noting that returnees also needed to rebuild their confidence and develop a positive mindset towards starting over.
“What is the mindset of a returnee who comes back thinking, ‘I have lost everything I worked for, and I am home with nothing’? Recovery requires more than money. They must recognise that they still have skills, experience and the ability to build again,” Ocici said.
He explained that entrepreneurial training could help participants identify viable business opportunities, manage their finances effectively and make informed investment decisions.
The training focused on practical ways of establishing businesses, managing available resources and developing sustainable sources of income.
Bob Paul Lusembo, Head of Micro Segments at Equity Bank Uganda, who represented Managing Director Gift Shoko, urged participants to start small and gradually grow their businesses through saving, proper planning and disciplined financial management.
“There is no dignity in poverty. We want our returnees to regain their confidence, start small and build businesses that support their families,” Lusembo said.
He emphasised the importance of financial knowledge, saving and business planning in helping entrepreneurs manage their resources and build resilient businesses.
Mathias Baguma, chairman of the returnees, welcomed the training, saying it had provided participants with practical knowledge and possible pathways to restart their economic activities.
“The training has equipped us not only with knowledge but also opened avenues on where we are to restart and how,” Baguma said.
The workshop comes as the government has committed Shs2 billion to the returnees’ savings and credit cooperative organisation (SACCO), with the funds intended to support members seeking to establish businesses and create income-generating opportunities.
The combination of financial literacy training and potential access to financing could help participants turn their business ideas into viable enterprises.
However, the returnees will still need to overcome challenges such as accessing markets, securing appropriate financing and managing the risks associated with starting new businesses.
