When anti-immigration activists under the March-March Campaign issued a tough ultimatum of 30 June 2026 for all foreigners to leave South Africa, many Ugandans found themselves facing uncertainty, fear, and insecurity. Through their leaders, Moses Kibombo Ssentongo, President of the Confederation of Ugandans in Southern Africa (COUSA), and Ismail Luzige, Chairman of the NRM South African Chapter,appealed to the Government of Uganda, through Ambassador Paul Amoru, Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, for support in returning home safely.
His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni responded swiftly and compassionately. He immediately directed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to coordinate a comprehensive evacuation plan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Uganda’s High Commission in Pretoria worked tirelessly to ensure every registered Ugandan who wished to leave could do so safely. To guarantee the security of the operation, the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, deployed Lieutenant Colonel Frank Murema of the Special Forces Command (SFC) to South Africa. This strengthened coordination with the South African authorities, enabling the smooth execution of evacuation convoys, documentation, and airport movements.
The repatriation was successfully carried out in six phases, safely bringing home a total of 1,030 Ugandans.
I was part of the high-level team that personally received our returning diaspora at Entebbe International Airport.Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, the returnees were transferred to the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi. While this initially raised questions in some quarters, the Government designed the Kyankwanzi programme as a thoughtful, comprehensive reintegration centre, not merely a temporary facility.
I also visited them at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, where I found them in good condition, well cared for, and with their hope fully restored.
At Kyankwanzi, returnees receive orientation to help them readjust to life in Uganda. Medical teams provide free health screenings and treatment, addressing any physical or psychological trauma resulting from the crisis. Officials from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) are on site to issue National Identity Cards to those without them, unlocking access to services, jobs, and financial inclusion. Eligible returnees are also being issued free driving permits, enhancing their employability in Uganda’s growing transport and logistics sectors.
Those who upgraded their education and skills abroad are being assessed for suitable government placements so they can contribute their knowledge and expertise to nation-building. Casual and skilled workers are being linked to poverty alleviation programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM), giving them a solid foundation to restart their lives and support their families.
This integrated, dignified approach shows that Uganda’s repatriation programme goes far beyond transportation; it focuses on restoring hope, rebuilding confidence, and creating real opportunities for economic recovery.
The returnees are considered guests of the President, and he is looking forward to meeting them soon. During that meeting, they will have an opportunity to share their experiences, discuss their challenges, and explain how they can best contribute to their homeland by applying the skills and exposure they obtained while abroad.
MANDATE OF THE OFFICCE OF THE PRESIDENT-DIASPORA AFFAIRS
We are mandated to engage, protect, and empower Ugandans living and working abroad. Our office coordinates government efforts to strengthen ties with the diaspora, facilitate safe returns, support reintegration, promote investment and skills transfer, and ensure that all Ugandans, regardless of their location or political views, feel connected to their motherland and are welcomed home whenever they choose to return.
A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO ALL UGANDANS IN THE DIASPORA WORLDWIDE
To every Ugandan living abroad—whether in South Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, or elsewhere—H.E. President Museveni wants you to know: “You are always welcome home.” Your political views, past affiliations, or differences of opinion will never stand in the way of your return. Uganda is your motherland, and its doors are wide open. The President has made it clear that all citizens, regardless of their background or circumstances, will be received with open arms.
Whether you are returning due to challenging situations abroad or simply wish to come back voluntarily to contribute to the Pearl of Africa, the Government stands ready to support you. The successful Kyankwanzi model demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that returnees receive the care, orientation, documentation, health services, and economic opportunities they need to thrive.
We encourage all Ugandans in the diaspora who dream of coming home to take this step with confidence. Your skills, experiences, and perspectives are valuable assets to our nation’s development. Uganda is building a future where every son and daughter has a place and a purpose.
The success of this operation highlights the Government’s dedication to protecting and empowering its citizens wherever they may be. It is not just about bringing people home; it is about giving them a fresh, dignified start and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s progress.
BY:AMBASSADOR ABBEY WALUSIMBI
Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs
