Uganda Government Gives Shs10 Million to Families of Citizens Killed in South Africa Xenophobic Attacks

KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Ugandan government has provided Shs10 million to each of the families of three Ugandans who lost their lives during the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, reaffirming its commitment to supporting citizens affected by the violence.

The financial assistance was presented on Wednesday by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni during a meeting with the bereaved families in Kampala.

Government Extends Condolences to Bereaved Families

While handing over the condolence contribution, Kasolo conveyed President Museveni’s sympathies and assured the families that the government would continue standing with Ugandans affected by the attacks.

He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working alongside other government agencies, had successfully coordinated the repatriation of the victims’ bodies to Uganda, allowing the families to conduct burial ceremonies at home.

“The government remains committed to supporting Ugandans affected by the violence and ensuring that those who wish to return home are assisted,” Kasolo said.

Repatriation Efforts Continue

Kasolo revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is continuing to coordinate the evacuation of Ugandans who wish to leave South Africa following the recent wave of anti-migrant violence.

He added that government is also preparing programmes to help returnees rebuild their lives through existing economic empowerment initiatives, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), which is designed to improve household incomes and create sustainable livelihoods.

Officials say the reintegration support will help returnees restart businesses and recover from losses suffered during the unrest.

Families Appreciate Government Support

The families of the deceased expressed gratitude to President Museveni and the government for facilitating the return of their loved ones’ remains and providing financial assistance during a difficult period.

They also commended government officials for maintaining regular communication throughout the repatriation process and offering logistical support from South Africa to Uganda.

Foreign Affairs Ministry Strengthens Diaspora Support

During the meeting, Ambassador Johnny Muhindo, Head of the Diaspora Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, briefed the families on ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare and protection of Ugandans living and working abroad.

He said the ministry continues to engage Ugandan communities in foreign countries while strengthening mechanisms to respond quickly whenever citizens face emergencies overseas.

Three Ugandans Killed in South Africa Violence

The government support follows the deaths of three Ugandan nationals during recent xenophobic attacks that affected several provinces in South Africa.

Last week, while receiving the first group of 273 Ugandans evacuated aboard a Uganda Airlines charter flight, Kasolo confirmed that the victims included Wilbert Nuwamanya, who was killed in KwaZulu-Natal Province, another Ugandan who died in Cape Town, and a third victim whose death was also confirmed by government authorities.

Uganda Continues Evacuation Exercise

The evacuation operation was ordered by President Museveni and is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, security agencies, the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda’s High Commission in Pretoria, and Ugandan community leaders in South Africa.

Many of the returnees said they escaped the violence with little more than the clothes they were wearing after homes, businesses, and personal property were destroyed or abandoned during the attacks.

Government Pledges Continued Support

Government has pledged to continue evacuating Ugandans who wish to return home and to support their reintegration into the country’s economy through existing development programmes.

The recent violence has prompted one of the region’s largest evacuation efforts in recent years, with several African countries, including Uganda, Nigeria, and Ghana, repatriating citizens following attacks targeting foreign nationals.

Authorities say they will continue monitoring the situation in South Africa while providing assistance to Ugandans who remain affected by the unrest.