The Government of Uganda has launched a rehabilitation and reintegration program at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi to support Ugandans who recently returned from South Africa following anti-migrant protests.
The initiative focuses on helping returnees recover from the psychological trauma they experienced during the violence and the challenges surrounding their repatriation.
During the opening session, Makerere University Professor Peter Baguma encouraged the returnees to remain hopeful despite the hardships and losses they endured.
He emphasized that healing is possible and urged them to rebuild their lives with confidence.
Prof. Baguma explained that trauma-related mental health challenges can be effectively treated through professional psychological support and counseling, rather than relying solely on medication such as tablets or injections, as is commonly believed.
"It is good that you came back home. We are going to work together to address your psychological challenges and mental health concerns so that you can reintegrate into your communities and contribute positively to the development of our country," Prof. Baguma said.
The rehabilitation program is expected to equip the returnees with the psychosocial support needed to successfully reintegrate into their communities and rebuild their livelihoods.
