By ONC Media Team
Entebbe – The Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (NRM), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has received 12 Ugandans at Entebbe International Airport, following their repatriation from South Africa after years of hardship.
The initiative, personally sanctioned by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, marks the first phase of a broader effort to return vulnerable Ugandans living abroad.
The operation was executed through the Office of the National Chairman – NRM (ONC) in coordination with the Ugandan High Commission in Pretoria and leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa.
Travel documents and other requisites were secured for the returnees, many of whom had been living in extreme poverty, with some losing close relatives during their time abroad.
While addressing the media at Entebbe airport, Namyalo explained that the group, which included a mother of four, had endured severe economic challenges, food shortages, and lack of basic necessities.
“Now that they are home, we will allow them time to recuperate. Thereafter, I shall engage His Excellency to explore ways the government can empower them with sustainable, income-generating ventures so they can reintegrate and live dignified lives,” she said.
She further called on Ugandans, especially those critical of the Head of State, to recognise that Uganda remains their ancestral home and a country worth building together.
“President Museveni is a caring father to all his bazzukulu. He cannot stand by while his people suffer,” she noted.
Mr. Moses Kibombo Ssentongo, Chairman of Ugandans in South Africa, praised the President for entrusting Namyalo with the mission and revealed that over 120 Ugandans in South Africa have already registered for repatriation.
He said the first group was selected based on extreme vulnerability, including illness, depression, and job loss, and urged bilateral engagement between Kampala and Pretoria to address challenges such as the detention of Ugandans over visa overstays.
Among the returnees was Namukwaya Masitula, a former restaurateur in Pretoria, who recounted how her business collapsed following a targeted campaign by National Unity Platform supporters who accused her of political allegiance to President Museveni.
She said she has been unemployed for four years, with her three daughters out of school due to financial constraints.
Masitula expressed deep gratitude to the President and Namyalo for facilitating their return and appealed for start-up capital to rebuild her livelihood.
“We have endured enough suffering. Back home, we hope to restore dignity and secure a better future for our children,” she said.
Namyalo confirmed that more repatriation missions are planned, with priority given to the most distressed Ugandans abroad.
