KAMPALA — Following the successful evacuation and reintegration of over a thousand vulnerable, undocumented Ugandans affected by recent anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic violence in South Africa, leaders of the Uganda Diaspora in Southern Africa are preparing to return to their bases.
Before their departure, leadership delegations representing the Council of Ugandans in Southern Africa (COUSA) - led by Mr. Moses Kibombo Ssentongo and the United Returnees Organization (URO)—led by Owek. Joan Machora Vander Struis, convened at the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Headquarters in Naguru. The joint delegation was received by PLU Secretary General, Hon. Twalla Fadhil, to deliver a formal message of gratitude to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Speaking on behalf of the diaspora leadership, the President of COUSA, Mr. Moses Kibombo Ssentongo, commended the high level of professionalism, discipline, and humility demonstrated by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), particularly highlighting the contributions of the Special Forces Command (SFC).
Mr. Kibombo singled out Lt. Col. Frank Murema, who was deployed to assist the emergency operation alongside the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria.
"Lt. Col. Murema performed an exemplary and selfless duty," noted Mr. Kibombo. "His humility was such that many evacuees did not even realize he was a military officer until they landed at Entebbe International Airport and witnessed junior officers saluting him upon arrival."
The delegation revealed that as part of their upcoming request to meet H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, they intend to petition the Fountain of Honour to consider promoting Lt. Col. Murema in recognition of his outstanding representation of the UPDF, the CDF, and the nation during a high-stakes humanitarian crisis that saved thousands of Ugandan lives.
The leaders also expressed deep gratitude to Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul for his selflessness, leadership, and hands-on dedication to humanity throughout the complex rescue and repatriation process.
The delegation recently concluded a comprehensive 15-day reintegration and civic training program alongside evacuees at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, which culminated in a pass-out ceremony on Sunday, July 19.
While celebrating the overall success of the operation, the leaders noted mixed feelings regarding their administrative handling during the residential retreat. Diaspora professionals who volunteered their time to coordinate logistics and offer peer support to the evacuees felt their professional contributions were overlooked by the Secretariat for Patriotism led by Commissioner Hellen Sseku. Specifically, they expressed regret over not receiving an opportunity to formally address the Fountain of Honour during the Kyankwanzi pass-out ceremony to convey the diaspora community's direct gratitude.
Determined to complete their mission, the leadership team confirmed they will remain in Kampala until they secure an official audience with both the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni before returning to their respective professional roles in South Africa.
The leaders also reminded stakeholders that the humanitarian effort remains an ongoing priority, noting that hundreds of vulnerable and undocumented Ugandans still remain in South Africa eager for a safe avenue to return home.
