The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has expressed concern over what it describes as the Ugandan government’s silence regarding reports of hostility, intimidation and attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Ugandans, in South Africa.
Speaking during a press conference at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi on Monday, FDC Deputy President Robert Centenary urged authorities in Kampala to take a more active stance in defending Ugandan citizens living in the southern African nation.
“We are concerned by the continued silence of the Government of Uganda on reports of hostility, intimidation, and attacks directed at foreign nationals in South Africa, including Ugandan citizens who live, work, study, and conduct business there,” Centenary said.
He noted that thousands of Ugandans have established lives and livelihoods in South Africa and deserve protection and equal treatment.
“Likewise, several South African companies continue to operate profitably within Uganda and benefit from the hospitality of the Ugandan people. It is therefore only fair and reasonable that Ugandan citizens in South Africa receive the same respect, protection, and security,” he added.
Centenary also reminded South Africans of the solidarity extended by African countries during the struggle against apartheid.
“South Africans should remember how African countries including Uganda supported them during the time of apartheid, and there are so many South African citizens living and working peacefully in Uganda,” he said.
His remarks come amid renewed concern over reports of harassment, intimidation and violence directed at foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
Human rights organisations have warned that migrants, refugees and asylum seekers remain vulnerable to attacks by vigilante groups and other actors who accuse them of contributing to crime and unemployment.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) recently condemned what it described as xenophobic attacks and acts of intimidation against citizens of other African countries residing in South Africa.
The commission said it was particularly troubled by allegations that vigilante groups had assaulted and harassed people suspected of being undocumented migrants.
The recent incidents are part of a broader pattern that has persisted for decades. Previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence include attacks in 2008 that left more than 60 people dead, injured about 1,700 others and displaced nearly 100,000 people. Similar incidents have been recorded in different parts of the country over the years.
Rights advocates argue that recurring attacks undermine social cohesion and place vulnerable communities at risk, while also damaging regional efforts aimed at strengthening African unity and free movement across the continent.