Amos Wekesa. Photo/Courtesy
Tourism entrepreneur Amos Wekesa has shared a harrowing account of witnessing the deportation of a young Ugandan woman abroad, highlighting the challenges faced by Ugandan youth seeking employment in foreign countries.
In a post on X, Wekesa described seeing a woman being carried onto a plane by five security personnel.
“She was saying, ‘I am leaving my child behind, I need my child, help me,’” Wekesa recalled.
He said he tried to intervene, but the security officers dismissed her pleas, and he believes she may have been sedated before departure.
The incident left a lasting impression on him, prompting reflections on both the struggles of Ugandans abroad and the difficulties of creating opportunities at home.
Wekesa noted that many Ugandan youth work in sectors like hospitality and general services while abroad, often under harsh conditions.
He emphasized the importance of branding Uganda to create more local opportunities and open international markets.
“When a country is well-branded, open market opportunities grow so fast, and anybody with a skill or desire to learn will easily tap into that,” he wrote.
Drawing from his own experience as the founder of Great Lakes Safaris, Wekesa urged young Ugandans to work hard, be consistent, and wisely manage their earnings.
He shared personal lessons, including conversations with his children about the value of focus and perseverance.
“Every time I remember where I have come from, I work even harder,” he said.
Wekesa’s reflections come amid ongoing debates about migration, employment, and economic opportunities for youth in Uganda.
He called on all Ugandans to actively contribute to solutions rather than wait for others.
“We all have 24 hours, so don’t sit back… ask yourself, how am I helping in this situation,” he wrote.