President Yoweri Museveni has revealed details of a tense conversation he held with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Ugandans and other African nationals living in South Africa.
Museveni said he expressed disappointment with the treatment of Ugandans who were forced to leave South Africa after facing hostility, attacks, and loss of property during periods of xenophobic violence.
The President made the remarks while meeting Ugandans who had returned home from South Africa and were receiving counselling, orientation, and support at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi.
Museveni said he told President Ramaphosa that he felt South Africa had disappointed Uganda because of the way some Africans were being treated by fellow Africans.
He explained that although he believes Ugandans should follow immigration laws and carefully consider where they choose to live, they still deserve respect and protection while in another country.
“First of all Ugandans are not supposed to be in South Africa. It is not as conducive as it is here. But they are our people,” Museveni reportedly said.
The President added that even if some Ugandans travelled to South Africa without proper information or made mistakes in the process, that did not justify calling them foreigners in a hateful manner.
Museveni questioned the meaning of the word “xeno,” saying that he had researched the term and found that it comes from a Greek word meaning “alien” or “stranger.”
He asked who exactly should be considered a stranger in Africa, especially considering the history of cooperation among African countries during the struggle against apartheid.
The President reminded Ramaphosa that Uganda had supported the African National Congress (ANC) for many years during its fight against apartheid and the struggle for majority rule in South Africa.
Museveni said he had supported the ANC for about 60 years, not only through words but also through practical assistance during difficult times.
He argued that many African countries contributed to South Africa’s liberation and that those historical relationships should not be forgotten when dealing with modern challenges.
According to Museveni, he told Ramaphosa that calling fellow Africans “xeno” creates divisions that can damage relationships between African nations.
He said he believed those promoting xenophobic attacks were harming South Africa’s image and could be working against the interests of African unity.
Museveni also revealed that he told Ramaphosa he was going to meet people who had been forced to return home after leaving South Africa.
He questioned what message he would give to Ugandans who had lost businesses, homes, and other belongings because of the violence.
The President said the Ugandan government had decided to support returning families by providing financial assistance to help them restart their lives.
He also encouraged the returnees to record details of their lost properties and businesses so that Uganda could pursue discussions about compensation with the South African government.
Museveni compared Uganda’s treatment of other African nationals with the situation in South Africa, saying that African countries should support each other instead of creating hatred among citizens.
He gave the example of Tanzania, where he lived in exile for several years, saying Tanzanians treated him and other Ugandans well during that difficult period.
He said that positive treatment created strong relations between Uganda and Tanzania, proving that kindness between nations can build long-term partnerships.
Museveni also mentioned South Sudanese who have lived in Uganda for many years, saying that welcoming people from other countries can create stronger economic and social relationships.
He warned that fighting among Africans only benefits people who want to weaken unity on the continent.
The President said South Africa and Uganda both benefit from cooperation, pointing out that South African companies operate successfully in Uganda while Ugandans contribute to different sectors abroad.
Museveni concluded that African countries must protect each other’s citizens and solve migration challenges through dialogue, respect, and cooperation rather than discrimination and violence.
