Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has revealed that he talked with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and discussed regarding the treatment of Ugandan nationals in South Africa. He expressed concern over the reports of discrimination and violence that targets some members of the Ugandan community.
Discussing during the pass-out ceremony of over 1000 Ugandans who were evacuated from South Africa, Museveni expressed that he was disappointed by the treatment of his fellow citizens. He noted that Uganda has maintained long-standing ties with South Africa and the African National Congress (ANC).
Referring to his conversation with President Ramaphosa, Museveni stated that he has supported the ANC for over 60 years through both words and action. But now it feels as if they have betrayed them, because South Africans are their brothers and sisters.
President of Uganda criticised the use of term “XENO” as it is often associated with xenophobic attacks, and he described it as offensive and divisive. Museveni explained that the word originated from Greek language and means ‘alien’. He also questioned application of the word to fellow Africans.
Uganda’s 🇺🇬 President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni said he held talks with South African 🇿🇦 President Cyril Ramaphosa over the treatment of Ugandans in South Africa.
Museveni, who has supported the ANC for over 60 years through both words and actions, expressed disappointment over the… pic.twitter.com/F0tQSWlYHy
— Africa View Facts (@AfricaViewFacts) July 19, 2026
Museveni added, “In my conversation with Cyril Ramaphosa, I asked him, am I the one who is xeno? Who is xeno?”
Museveni condemned the discrimination and acknowledged that the individuals who entered South Africa through irregular channels should be dealt with in accordance with the country’s laws. However, he stressed that legal enforcement should not result in harassment or discrimination based on anyone’s nationality.
President Museveni urged the citizens to uphold the principles of African unity and avoid retaliatory actions against South Africans living or investing in Uganda. He specifically mentioned the South African companies such as MTN, and warned hostility towards them would only undermine continental solidarity.
He stated that, this is what exactly the enemies of Africa want them to fight among themselves. He announced that Ugandans whose businesses or property were destroyed during the unrest should document their losses so that the government can facilitate compensation accurately. He further explained that every returning household will receive financial assistance of UGX 2 million to help in rebuilding their lives.
The president also extended his condolences to the families of the three Ugandan nationals who lost their lives during the ongoing incidents in South Africa. He underlined commitment of Uganda to protect its citizens abroad while re-affirming the importance of maintaining peaceful relations and cooperation between the African nations.