Museveni Holds Talks With Ramaphosa to End Xenophobic Attacks on Ugandans in South Africa
President Yoweri Museveni is holding high-level discussions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa aimed at ending the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Ugandans living and working in South Africa.
The development was revealed by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja while addressing 1,030 Ugandans who were recently repatriated from South Africa following violent attacks against immigrants.
The returnees are currently undergoing patriotism and civic orientation training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi before returning to their respective communities across Uganda.
Museveni Engaging Ramaphosa
Speaking to the returnees, Nabbanja said the Ugandan government had chosen diplomacy rather than retaliation despite the attacks on its citizens.
She explained that President Museveni was personally engaging President Ramaphosa to ensure South African authorities take decisive action against xenophobic violence and guarantee the safety of foreign nationals.
“We cannot retaliate against South Africans because that is not who we are. Instead, President Museveni is engaging President Ramaphosa to ensure such acts come to an end,” Nabbanja said.
She emphasized that Uganda remains committed to peaceful dialogue and cooperation with South Africa while seeking lasting solutions to the attacks.
Government Repatriates Over 1,000 Ugandans
Nabbanja said the government could not ignore the suffering of Ugandans caught up in the violence, prompting the decision to organize their voluntary evacuation back home.
“The government could not sit back and watch Ugandans continue to suffer. That is why we organised their return to their motherland,” she said.
According to government officials, more than 1,000 Ugandans have now been voluntarily repatriated from South Africa following the latest outbreak of anti-immigrant violence.
The evacuation exercise was undertaken to safeguard the lives and welfare of affected Ugandan nationals.
Returnees Encouraged to Join Wealth Creation Programs
The Prime Minister encouraged the returnees to use their return home as an opportunity to rebuild their lives through government-supported economic empowerment initiatives.
She urged them to participate in programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and other livelihood projects designed to increase household incomes and create sustainable employment.
Nabbanja said the initiatives provide returning Ugandans with opportunities to start businesses, invest in agriculture and contribute to national development.
Patriotism Training Underway at Kyankwanzi
The repatriated Ugandans are currently attending patriotism and civic education sessions at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi.
The programme forms part of the government’s reintegration strategy, equipping returnees with civic knowledge, national values and practical guidance to help them successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Officials say the training also aims to strengthen national unity while preparing participants to benefit from government development programmes.
Uganda Pursues Diplomatic Solution
The ongoing engagement between Presidents Museveni and Ramaphosa highlights Uganda’s diplomatic efforts to protect its citizens abroad while maintaining strong bilateral relations with South Africa.
Government officials say they remain hopeful that continued dialogue will help end xenophobic attacks and improve the safety of Ugandans and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.
