Over 700 Ugandans evacuated from South Africa have been taken to the National Leadership Institute (NALI) at Kyankwanzi for rehabilitation and mental orientation as the government responds to renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The acting minister for Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kasolo, said the programme is intended to help returnees adjust to life back home after many years of living abroad.
Uganda began repatriating its citizens from South Africa on June 28, 2026, following renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals. Several countries launched evacuation efforts after the latest wave of violence.
Speaking to journalists, Kasolo said more than 700 Ugandans had returned home by July 7 and had been taken to Kyankwanzi for rehabilitation and social support.
He said the programme is voluntary and that no one is forced to attend.
“The first group had more than 260 people. Only 11 declined to go to Kyankwanzi, and we allowed them to return to their homes. We do not force anybody to attend the rehabilitation programme,” Kasolo said.
He explained that the government is offering counselling, social support, and orientation to help the returnees settle back into Ugandan society.
Kasolo also assured Ugandans still living in South Africa that they should not fear returning home.
“The government is not witch-hunting anybody. Uganda is their country, and they should feel free to come back,” he said.
He added that the repatriation exercise is being provided free of charge to all Ugandans who wish to return.
According to Kasolo, the government expects to evacuate close to 1,000 Ugandans from South Africa. Many of those returning have lived there for more than 10 years.
He said several government officials and leaders from different sectors have already addressed the returnees during the orientation programme.
He said President Museveni is also expected to meet and speak to the group before they complete the programme.
