Chiltern Welcomes

Sejal's Story

Uganda

Sejal and her family arrived in the UK in October 1972 from Uganda after President Idi Amin announced the expulsion of Indian people in Uganda, who had lived in the country for three generations. There were given just 90 days’ notice to leave.

Army Camp, Sussex

On arrival, the family were taken to Maresfield Army Camp in East Sussex, one of 16 such camps run mainly by voluntary groups. Sejal remembers the kindness here but also the terrible food, sugary cereals and how difficult it was to get vegetarian meals. In November the family moved out to rented accommodation in London, but Sejal’s father, who had worked as a bank manager in Uganda, struggled to find work and this was a very difficult time for the family. In 1973 he secured a loan and purchased a post office and off-licence in Hertfordshire.

Helping refugees

All the children pursued further education. Sejal’s parents still live in Hertfordshire and feel very fortunate for their lives in the UK. Sejal went on to qualify as a Chartered Accountant and now works as a volunteer in her community and with refugees in Amersham.