FDC condemns xenophobic attacks in South Africa, urges gov’t to rescue Ugandans

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The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, calling on the Ugandan government to take immediate action to protect and rescue its citizens there.

FDC deputy president for western region, Robert Franco Centenary, expressed concern over the continued silence of the Ugandan government on the matter, urging authorities to take a more active stance in defending Ugandans living, working and studying in South Africa.

“South Africans should remember how we supported them during the time of Apartheid. We strongly condemn any form of xenophobic attack, discrimination, violence and incitement against foreign nations, including Ugandans,” Centenary said on Monday during the weekly press conference at the FDC party headquarters at Najjanankumbi.

He said such actions undermine African unity, regional integration and the spirit of Pan-Africanism that both Uganda and South Africa have long cherished and championed.

“We urge the South African government to take decisive action against individuals and groups promoting violence and hatred against foreign nationals and to ensure that all those responsible for attacks are held accountable under the law,” he suggested.

Centenary Robert Franco, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) vice chairperson for Western Uganda addressing the media at a weekly press conference on Monday June 1, 2026 at Najjanankumbi in Kampala (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

FDC called upon the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Uganda’s diplomatic mission in South Africa to establish emergency communication channels, maintain an updated register of all Ugandan foreigners in affected areas, and provide consular assistance where necessary.

Centenary said, “The Government officials in Kampala must immediately engage their counterparts in South Africa through diplomatic channels and seek assurances regarding the safety and security of Ugandan citizens.”

The ongoing attacks have targeted foreign nationals, including Ugandans, and have resulted in loss of life, injury, and destruction of property. According to FDC, thousands of Ugandans have established lives and livelihoods in South Africa and deserve protection and equal treatment.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights has also condemned the xenophobic attacks, calling on the South African government to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.

Human rights organisations, including the West African Journalists for Environment Science Health and Agriculture (WAJESHA), have warned of a growing public health and mental health crisis resulting from the attacks.

Resettle wetland evictees

The FDC also called upon the Government to utilise the land fund to resettle individuals evicted from wetlands. The party's stance comes amid concerns over the Government's enforcement of wetland conservation laws, which have led to the displacement of thousands of people, particularly in areas like Lubigi in Wakiso and Munyonyo in Kampala.

“We urge the Government to utilise land funds to resettle and support displaced families. The Government should immediately suspend all ongoing evictions until wetland boundaries are fully demarcated, publicly gazetted and accessible to all citizens,” Centenary suggested.

Those boundaries, he noted, must be publicly accessible and mapped at the local government level so that any person applying for a building permit, buying land, or seeking a business licence can verify the status of that land in advance.

The Lubigi evictions, which displaced over 1,000 households, have highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to wetland conservation, Centenary noted.

“Factories and rice farms that belong to the rich sit undisturbed in the same wetlands from where ordinary citizens are being chased," he said.

The Government has launched initiatives to restore wetlands and promote sustainable livelihoods, including the Green Climate Fund Project, which aims to restore 64,370 hectares of wetlands and benefit 800,000 people.