Ugandans from South Africa in Kyankwanzi: Hellen Seku, commissioner for patriotism, State House here

The government has commenced the registration and issuance of National Identity Cards to Ugandans recently repatriated from South Africa as part of a comprehensive program to facilitate their reintegration into society following their return from xenophobic violence. The exercise, being conducted by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi, targets more than 700 Ugandans who have returned home since last Friday under a government-led evacuation program. Besides acquiring national IDs, the returnees are receiving trauma counseling, psychological support, ideological orientation, and practical training on government wealth-creation initiatives to enable them to rebuild their lives. Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), Ms. Hellen Seku, said bringing NIRA services directly to the rehabilitation center was a deliberate intervention to ensure that none of the returnees is excluded from accessing government services. “Most of them missed the national registration exercise because they had been living in South Africa. Without a National ID, it becomes difficult to access many services. We want them to reintegrate fully and enjoy every service available to Ugandans,” Ms. Seku said. She revealed that several government agencies, including the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), mobile telecommunications companies, and financial institutions, have offered services at NALI to simplify the returnees' transition back into normal life. The returnees are undergoing a structured program focusing on patriotism, entrepreneurship, agriculture, financial literacy, and government development programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, among others. According to Ms. Seku, the objective is to ensure that the returnees leave Kyankwanzi equipped with knowledge, skills, and information that will enable them to earn sustainable livelihoods instead of seeking opportunities abroad under difficult circumstances. They should understand how government programs work, how they can benefit from them, and how they can use agriculture and enterprise to improve their livelihoods,” she said. She noted that many of the returnees arrived at the institute emotionally distressed after losing businesses, employment, and property during the attacks in South Africa. “When they first arrived, they were angry, traumatized, and uncertain about their future. Today they are calmer, hopeful, and appreciating the opportunities available in their own country,” she added. Ms. Seku disclosed that some of the returnees had spent between 20 and 45 years in South Africa, while more than 216 children accompanying them were born there and had little knowledge of Uganda. “They needed counseling, guidance, and a renewed sense of belonging. We are helping them rediscover their country and return to their communities as productive citizens rather than victims,” she said. The Senior Registration Officer at NIRA, Capt. Darius Turyahikayo, said the registration exercise has progressed smoothly since it began earlier this week at the center, with more than 410, including adults and children, already registered. “As NIRA, we register every Ugandan from birth. Many of these returnees missed previous registration exercises because they were abroad. Bringing these services closer to them ensures that no one is left behind,” Turyahikayo said. He assured the returnees that all eligible applicants would receive their National Identity Cards before leaving Kyankwanzi. Ms. Seku commended President Yoweri Museveni for directing government institutions to support the repatriation and reintegration exercise. She described the returnees as "special visitors" of the President and revealed that the Head of State is expected to meet them during the program's closing ceremony on July 17, 2026. She also applauded the Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NIRA, URSB, and the management of NALI for coordinating the rehabilitation program. Musician Billy Katumba, popularly known as Kasodde, said the rehabilitation program had given many returnees hope after the traumatic experiences they endured in South Africa. “We are being treated with dignity. The counseling has helped us recover emotionally, while the training has shown us opportunities we had never considered. Going straight home without this program would have been very difficult,” Katumba said. He encouraged Ugandans still facing insecurity in South Africa to consider returning home and rebuilding their lives. It should be noted that many of the returnees lost businesses, employment, and homes during the xenophobic unrest in South Africa, making the government's rehabilitation and reintegration program a crucial step towards restoring their dignity and enabling them to begin a new chapter in Uganda.