KYANKWANZI – The Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), AIGP Tom Magambo, has challenged Ugandans repatriated from South Africa to channel the knowledge, skills and experience they acquired abroad into transforming their homeland.

Speaking on Saturday at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, where the returnees are undergoing a civic orientation programme, AIGP Magambo delivered a lecture on ideology and patriotism, urging them to embrace their role in Uganda's development.

He said the returnees' international exposure places them in a unique position to contribute to national progress through innovation, hard work and responsible citizenship.

Magambo encouraged the group not to dwell on the difficulties they faced while living abroad, stressing that Uganda still needs their expertise and experience to accelerate socio-economic transformation.

"The Uganda you left has changed tremendously. It has developed much faster than many of you realize. Unfortunately, some of you continue to criticize and attack the President and the country on social media based on outdated perceptions, believing Uganda is still the same as it was 20 years ago," he said.

To demonstrate the country's progress, Magambo reflected on how communication has evolved over the years.

He recalled that in the past, people had to travel long distances simply to book a telephone call, return home, and later travel back again to make the call. Today, he noted, mobile technology enables people to communicate instantly from virtually anywhere.

The CID Director highlighted Uganda's significant strides in infrastructure, technology and public service delivery, saying these developments present opportunities for citizens to contribute meaningfully to national growth.

He urged the returnees to become ambassadors of positive change by applying the knowledge and skills they acquired abroad to create opportunities, support communities and strengthen the country's development.

Magambo concluded by reminding them that nation-building is a shared responsibility, calling on every Ugandan to promote constructive dialogue, respect national leaders and play an active role in advancing the country's continued progress.