Kahinda Otafiire
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Minister of Internal Affairs Kahinda Otafiire has urged Ugandans to stop blaming refugees and foreigners for taking up jobs, saying many of them are simply filling opportunities that locals have overlooked.
Speaking on the issue, Otafiire said government policy encourages refugees to work and support themselves instead of depending entirely on state assistance.
“Government policy is that if a refugee can support himself or herself, that eases the burden on government. So we encourage them to support themselves,” Otafiire said.
He noted that refugees are not in Uganda by choice, but have been forced to flee difficult circumstances in their home countries.
“They are not refugees out of their own volition. They have been forced into these circumstances. So when they are here, we encourage them to work so that they can support themselves,” he added.
Otafiire also dismissed complaints that refugees and foreigners are taking over jobs from Ugandans, saying they are mostly investing in trades and businesses that locals have not embraced.
“These refugees and foreigners engage where Ugandans have not seen that opportunity. We should encourage Ugandans to dominate those trades and stop complaining about competition,” he said.
The minister’s remarks come amid growing public debate over the role of refugees and foreign nationals in Uganda’s economy, especially in small businesses and trade. He emphasized that instead of blaming outsiders, Ugandans should focus on identifying and taking advantage of the same opportunities.
About the Author
