OPM graduates 47 returnees after vocational training in Gulu

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Gulu Regional Branch, has graduated 47 returnees from the Central African Republic of Congo after they completed a six-month vocational training program.

The milestone event, held on April 26, 2025, in Gulu City, marked a historic moment for the Acholi sub-region as it hosted the first graduation of its kind for formerly displaced individuals.

The colorful ceremony attracted a host of dignitaries, including the Paramount Chief of Acholi, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), the 4th Division Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, the Amnesty Commissioner, Local Council V Chairpersons, Members of Parliament, and other prominent Acholi leaders.

The graduates received certificates after completing training in various skill-based courses, including carpentry and joinery, and fashion and design.

The skilling project was implemented by Terra Renaissance, a non-governmental organization, with support from the Government of Uganda and the Dutch NGO PAX Netherlands.

Jimmy F. Otema, the Team Leader of Terra Renaissance, explained that a total of 56 returnees were initially enrolled in the program. Among them, 20 trained in carpentry and joinery, while 27 completed a fashion and design course.

The remaining nine returnees were repatriated to Congo before completing the training.

“We selected these courses because they are marketable and relevant in today’s job market. While we’ve empowered these youths with practical skills, we must continue reaching out to those still in the bush. If any of the returnees are in contact with them, we urge them to encourage their peers to come home,” Otema emphasized.

He urged the graduates not to look back but to focus on the new chapter in their lives. “You are now reintegrated into the community as new Acholi. Use this opportunity to be examples of unity, peace, and change,” he advised.

Otema also appealed to community members, especially parents and local leaders, to welcome and support the returnees rather than stigmatize or isolate them.

“These children have lived and learned among us for six months. They deserve love and acceptance. They are not criminals; they are survivors.”

One of the graduates, Agoya Bavida, who trained in fashion and design, shared her moving testimony. “This was my first time in a formal classroom in Uganda. I didn’t even know how to write my name. Now I can, thanks to the support from the Ugandan Government and PAX Netherlands,” she said.

Agoya expressed gratitude to the government, community, and her trainers, saying their combined efforts gave her and her peers a chance at a new life.

She appealed to the President of Uganda to continue supporting vulnerable children in similar situations to access education and rehabilitation.

“Though I’m not originally from Acholi—I’m from Congo—I married an Acholi man and now live among Acholi people. I ask our elders to treat us as their own children and protect us with love,” Agoya said emotionally.

Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, Commander of the UPDF 4th Division, pledged continued support for the safety and peace of the returnees. “Let no one frustrate them. If there is any sign of insecurity, report to the LC1, the RDC, or directly to the 4th Division,” he urged.

Gen. Busizoori also encouraged leaders to use cultural institutions for conflict resolution instead of relying solely on legal avenues, which often take longer and are more divisive.

The chief guest, Dr. Kenneth Omona, State Minister for Northern Uganda, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to uphold discipline, use their skills productively, and become role models in their communities.

“The Office of the Prime Minister will support each graduate with a startup capital of one million Uganda shillings. We are committed to continuing this support until they are fully resettled,” Omona announced.

He called upon political, religious, and cultural leaders to closely engage with the returnees and lead efforts in poverty eradication in the Acholi sub-region.

“Let us not turn our backs on them. These young people can be the agents of change we need,” he added.

This initiative follows the return of 139 Ugandan nationals from the Central African Republic last year. They were temporarily hosted at the SOS Reception Centre in Gulu City.

Their reintegration and rehabilitation have been a joint effort by the government and partners, aiming to provide a sustainable path forward through education and empowerment.

As the sun set on the ceremony, applause echoed through the crowd not only for certificates awarded, but for the resilience of 47 young people who chose peace, embraced opportunity, and took their first step toward rebuilding their lives.