Following xenophobic attacks targeting several African nationals in South Africa, Kampala seeks to turn the return of its citizens into an economic opportunity. The Ugandan government is now urging returnees to invest in their home country rather than continue searching for employment opportunities abroad.
At the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni welcomed the 1,030 Ugandan returnees from South Africa on July 17, 2026. Evacuated following attacks targeting African migrants, they underwent a 15-day programme of rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and patriotic orientation. Through this initiative, Kampala aims to support their reintegration and encourage their contribution to national economic development. The government believes that commercial agriculture, industry, services, and the digital economy now offer employment and investment opportunities.
“We received the following totals. 482 male adults, 256 female adults totalling to 738. Your excellency, we also received the children ranging from age of 0 to 17 years who are 292 in number.”
Hellen SEKU, National Coordinator, Patriotism – Uganda
To support their new start, the president announced 2 billion Uganda Shillings in assistance for the returnees, along with an additional 2 million Uganda Shillings for each household head. The beneficiaries are being directed towards government programmes such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga to restart their economic activities. This initiative comes after xenophobic violence in South Africa. Kampala says it has engaged in dialogue with Pretoria to protect African nationals and combat attacks targeting migrants.
“Those who went there lost their property, their businesses, and their livelihoods. But we must now help them rebuild their lives. The government will provide them with support of two billion shillings.”
Yoweri MUSEVENI , President of the Republic – Uganda
Through this initiative, the Ugandan government seeks to transform the forced return of its citizens into an economic opportunity. The challenge now remains to create enough jobs and local investment opportunities to convince a young population attracted by prospects abroad.
