Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon Joan Alobo has called on government to strengthen diplomatic engagement with South Africa and provide support for Ugandans who have returned home after facing challenges there.
Hon Alobo commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for efforts to bring back affected Ugandans, but said the matter goes beyond diplomacy, touching on human dignity, African solidarity and the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens both at home and abroad.
She urged government to take a firm position in its relations with South Africa until there is credible assurance that it is safe for Ugandans to travel and live there.
The legislator also called for clarity on compensation for Ugandans who suffered losses, including those who left behind businesses and property, noting that similar arrangements had previously been made for Ugandans affected in South Sudan.
Hon Alobo further appealed for a clear reintegration plan to support returnees who have lost their sources of livelihood and help them rebuild their lives after coming back home.
She also wondered why the evacuees were being taken to the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, instead of allowing them to go back to their homes.
Meanwhile, the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Kyeyune Kasolo, has presented a statement on the repatriation of Ugandans from South Africa following an illegal deadline imposed by vigilante pressure groups demanding that all undocumented foreign nationals leave South Africa by 30th June 2026.
Minister Kasolo said that as of Tuesday, 7th July 2026, a total of 880 Ugandans had been repatriated, and the next phase of the emergency airlift includes one additional flight expected to land today with another 250 evacuees.
