NRM Secretary General Urges South African Returnees to Invest in Uganda and Embrace National Transformation

Kyankwanzi, Uganda: The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, has called upon Ugandans returning from South Africa to embrace their homeland, invest in the country's growing economy, and become active participants in Uganda's transformation journey.

Todwong made the remarks while addressing a group of returnees undergoing ideological orientation at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi. He said the training was intended to help the returnees rediscover their national identity and appreciate the opportunities available in Uganda.

According to the NRM Secretary General, NALI Kyankwanzi plays a critical role in shaping responsible citizens by instilling values of patriotism, discipline, love for the country, respect for fellow citizens, and national unity.

"The reason we brought you here immediately after your return is because Kyankwanzi offers ideological grounding that can transform one's mindset and help citizens understand their role in national development," Todwong said.

He acknowledged the hardships and challenges many Ugandans had endured while living in South Africa but stressed that their return home should be viewed as a new beginning rather than a setback.

The NRM Secretary General noted that Uganda has changed significantly over the past four decades and that many of the returnees would be surprised by the progress the country has made in terms of infrastructure development, economic growth, political stability, and social transformation.

"Some of you left Uganda many years ago and may still have memories of the country as it was then. The Uganda you have returned to is very different. Our nation has undergone tremendous transformation and now presents numerous opportunities for investment and prosperity," he said.

Todwong urged the returnees to abandon the belief that success can only be found abroad and instead focus on building their future within Uganda. He said the country now offers a conducive environment for business, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation.

He further expressed concern over reports of the mistreatment of Africans in South Africa and questioned the silence of some leaders on the continent regarding the plight of fellow Africans.

"I am surprised that some South African leaders have remained silent while fellow Africans are being subjected to such treatment. Uganda has always embraced Africans. We have welcomed South African investments, including banks, and our doctors have served in hospitals across Africa for the good of the continent," Todwong remarked.

The Secretary General highlighted Uganda's journey from a country once regarded as a failed state to one that is now politically, economically, financially, and socially stable under the leadership of the NRM government.

He said the stability that Uganda enjoys today has created a favourable environment for both local and foreign investment, making it an ideal destination for Ugandans in the diaspora to return and contribute to national development.

Todwong appealed to the returnees not to contemplate going back to South Africa but instead to settle permanently in Uganda and use the skills, knowledge, and experiences they acquired abroad to build businesses and create employment opportunities.

"I know many of you have been away from home for a long time, and by now, you have seen how much Uganda has changed. I appeal to you not to return to South Africa. Stay home, invest here, and be part of Uganda's transformation," he said.

The NRM Secretary General also used the opportunity to encourage those who are not affiliated with any political party to consider joining the ruling National Resistance Movement, describing it as a broad-based movement committed to national development and inclusive growth.

However, he emphasised that access to government development programmes is not dependent on political affiliation, noting that all Ugandans can benefit from initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and other wealth-creation programmes.

"Even if you do not support the NRM, you will still benefit from government programmes such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and many other initiatives, provided you actively participate," Todwong said.

His message comes at a time when Uganda continues to encourage its diaspora community to return home and invest in key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, real estate, and information technology.

For the returnees, the orientation at NALI Kyankwanzi serves as both a reintegration programme and a call to national duty, encouraging them to channel their experiences and resources toward Uganda's continued transformation and socio-economic development.