President Yoweri Museveni has called on African countries to resist forces that seek to divide the continent, saying Africa must not allow its hard-earned unity to be undermined by treating fellow Africans as foreigners in their own homeland.
The President made the appeal following renewed attacks on African migrants in South Africa that claimed the lives of three Ugandan nationals and prompted the Ugandan government to evacuate more than 1,100 citizens.
President Yoweri Museveni stated that he spoke with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding xenophobic attacks, telling him that using anti-foreigner sentiment and targeting fellow Africans means South Africa has "entered into the trap of the enemy".
President Museveni said Africa's liberation was achieved through solidarity among independent states that stood together against colonialism and apartheid. He said that spirit of unity should continue to guide relations among African countries.
"Uganda, and many other African countries stood with South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, and we cannot accept the notion that fellow Africans are 'xenos' in Africa," President Yoweri Museveni said.
He urged African leaders and citizens not to fall prey to forces that seek to weaken continental unity by turning Africans against one another.
The President also conveyed his condolences to the families of the three Ugandans who lost their lives during the violence in South Africa.
He appealed to Ugandans working abroad under difficult conditions to return home and take advantage of the economic opportunities available in Uganda.
According to information released by the Presidency, the evacuation followed escalating anti-immigrant protests, xenophobic attacks, looting of businesses owned by foreign nationals and threats from vigilante groups demanding that migrants leave South Africa.
The violence heightened fears among African migrant communities and forced hundreds of Ugandans to seek government assistance.
President Museveni directed a fully funded, multi-agency voluntary evacuation exercise to bring affected Ugandans home safely.
The government repatriated 1,102 Ugandans during the first phase of the operation.
Uganda Airlines operated most of the six coordinated evacuation flights that landed at Entebbe International Airport between July 3 and July 10, 2026.
After returning home, the evacuees underwent reintegration and skills development programmes at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.
While meeting the returnees in Kyankwanzi, President Museveni reaffirmed the government's commitment to helping them rebuild their lives through wealth creation and employment opportunities.
"Today in Kyankwanzi, I met Ugandans who returned from South Africa. I reiterated that the NRM has consistently fought poverty through education, wealth creation and job creation," he said.
The President encouraged the returnees, particularly young people, to invest in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and information and communication technology.
"I encouraged them, especially the youth, to embrace commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT, where the greatest opportunities lie. The Government will support their reintegration, including strengthening their SACCO," President Yoweri Museveni added.
Addressing property and business losses, the president noted that engagements with South African authorities is ongoing to verify the extent of properties, jobs, and legitimate businesses lost or looted during the violence for possible composition.
President Museveni's remarks reinforce Uganda's longstanding call for stronger African solidarity, reminding the continent that the unity which helped end apartheid should continue to guide cooperation among African nations and protect the rights and dignity of Africans wherever they live on the continent.
