Braamfontein, South Africa: Ugandans living in South Africa have vowed to rally behind President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s 2026 re-election bid, assuring of their undeterred commitment to the ruling NRM’s message of stability, wealth creation, and patriotism within the diaspora.
The pledge was made Saturday, July 12, during a mobilization meeting led by Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, the Senior Presidential Advisor and National Coordinator of Bazzukulu at the Office of the NRM National Chairman (ONC) and the leadership of the NRM South Africa Chapter.
In her keynote address, Hajjat Namyalo urged attendees to remain steadfast in promoting the NRM’s values of unity, patriotism, and economic transformation. “NRM is a party for all Ugandans, no matter where they are. Jajja Museveni’s leadership continues to guarantee peace, stability, and progress. Together, we must safeguard this legacy,” she said.
Hajjat commended the South African chapter for its role in spreading the NRM’s message abroad but warned Ugandans against engaging in divisive or criminal behavior, which she warned could tarnish the country’s image.
“Reports show Ugandans are increasingly being linked to fraud and scams here in South Africa, surpassing even Nigerians in some cases. This undermines our reputation and risks your legal status abroad,” she cautioned.
During the visit, Hajjat met over 1500 Ugandans, including business owners, students, and former opposition supporters from Braamfontein, Turffontein, Mayfair, among other suburbs of Johannesburg, as part of the ONC’s broader outreach strategy targeting diaspora communities ahead of the 2026 general elections.
A notable highlight of the engagement was the defection of at least 150 supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) to the ruling NRM, with the group citing renewed confidence in President Museveni’s leadership and commitment to national development.
“We believe in Uganda’s transformation agenda. Our decision to join NRM is based on its track record, not just rhetoric,” said one defector, identified as Kaggwa, a Ugandan IT consultant based in Braamfontein.
Despite pledging support, the NUP supporters bitterly voiced concerns about mistreatment at both the Durban and Entebbe International Airport, plus the bureaucratic hurdles at the Embassy in Pretoria. This, they said, has left many of them arrested and harassed because of supporting NUP, and they called for President Museveni’s urgent intervention to ease travel and consular challenges.
“These issues, especially around visa renewals and airport harassment, were raised with the President during his last visit to Pretoria, but we trust your office will follow up,” said Kiyemba Yasser, a Ugandan living in Pretoria.
In response, Hajjat Namyalo calmed the group and assured that Jajja Wabazzukulu listens to everyone, regardless of who they support. She advised them to submit a formal petition, which she promised to present to the President for an actionable solution.
“For issues regarding passports, the President directed the responsible office to handle it, and it is being worked on, so let’s be patient. But for other grievances, I request that you put it in writing, and I will deliver it to H.E. Jajja Wabazzukulu to consider them.”
Badru Ssentongo Kibombo, the President of the Convention of Ugandans in Southern Africa (COUSA), who accompanied Hajjat Namyalo during the diaspora outreach, urged fellow Ugandans to formalize their immigration status and uphold lawful conduct, warning that involvement in illegal activities could result in arrest or deportation.
“South Africa is a country of laws, and we must operate within that framework,” Kibombo said. “I urge every Ugandan here to formalize their stay. Avoid shortcuts, avoid fraud. Your future, and our collective reputation, depends on it.”
Kibombo further emphasized that COUSA is working closely with local authorities and the Ugandan Embassy in Pretoria to assist Ugandans with legal documentation, work permits, and community integration.
“We are building bridges between the diaspora and the host country. But that only works if we hold ourselves to a high standard. One person’s mistake can cast a shadow over thousands of law-abiding Ugandans,” he added.
Ismail Luzige, the Chairperson of the NRM South Africa Chapter, reaffirmed their commitment to vigorously mobilize support for President Museveni ahead of the 2026 elections. “We are ready to strengthen NRM’s position here and ensure Jajja wins resoundingly in 2026. Our focus is mobilization, unity, and patriotism,” he said.
Hajjat urged the bazzukulu in S.A. to form Sacco groups where the government can support them directly, but emphasized the need to remain active contributors to Uganda’s socio-economic growth, both at home and abroad.
The SPA’s meeting in Johannesburg is one of several engagements undertaken by the ONC to regain NRM ground support in diaspora communities where the NUP, led by Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), has gained traction, particularly in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
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