World

Sudanese refugee returning home ’to make buildings for our country’

Al Jazeera · 2026-09-09

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: A voluntary repatriation program is set to facilitate the return of at least 1,300 Sudanese refugees from Uganda to Sudan, where they aim to contribute to reconstruction efforts. • Why it matters: This initiative highlights the challenges faced by refugees in Uganda, where many struggle to find employment, and reflects a desire among some to return home and help rebuild their country despite ongoing conflict. • What to watch next: The implementation of the repatriation program and the conditions faced by returning refugees, as well as the overall impact on Sudan's reconstruction efforts, will be closely monitored.

**Sudanese Refugee Returns Home to Contribute to Reconstruction Efforts**

In a significant development for Sudanese refugees, a voluntary repatriation program is set to facilitate the return of at least 1,300 individuals from Uganda to Sudan. This initiative comes as Uganda currently hosts over 96,000 Sudanese refugees, many of whom fled their home country due to ongoing conflict and instability.

One of the individuals participating in this program is Jamal Mubarak, an engineer who left Sudan amid the turmoil caused by war. Mubarak has expressed a strong desire to return to his homeland, stating, "I want to make buildings for our country." His commitment to contributing to the reconstruction of Sudan reflects a broader sentiment among refugees who wish to play a role in rebuilding their nation.

Mubarak's journey has not been easy. Upon arriving in Uganda, he faced significant challenges in securing employment. "It has not been easy to find a job in Uganda," he remarked, highlighting the difficulties that many refugees encounter as they seek to establish new lives in foreign countries. The lack of job opportunities has prompted Mubarak and others to consider returning home, despite the risks associated with the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

The UN's voluntary repatriation program aims to provide a safe and organized means for refugees to return to their home country. While the situation in Sudan remains precarious, the program is designed to support those who feel ready to return and contribute to the rebuilding process. The initiative underscores the resilience and determination of individuals like Mubarak, who are willing to take on the challenges of returning to a country still grappling with the aftermath of war.

As the program unfolds, it remains to be seen how many refugees will choose to participate and what conditions they will encounter upon their return. Nonetheless, the stories of individuals like Jamal Mubarak serve as a poignant reminder of the human spirit's capacity for hope and renewal, even in the face of adversity.

Source: Al Jazeera
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