Uganda Fast-Tracks National IDs for Citizens Repatriated from South Africa

The Ugandan government has initiated a rapid registration process for national identity cards for more than 700 Ugandans recently repatriated from South Africa. This effort aims to support their reintegration following devastating xenophobic attacks.

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is managing the exercise at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi. This initiative is part of a broader government-led evacuation program designed to assist those who have returned home since last Friday. The goal is to ensure these individuals can access essential government services, which are often difficult to obtain without a national ID.

Hellen Seku, Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), highlighted the strategic placement of NIRA services at the rehabilitation center. "Most of them missed the national registration exercise because they had been living in South Africa. Without a National ID, it becomes difficult to access many services. We want them to fully reintegrate and benefit from all services available to Ugandans," Seku explained.

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Most of them missed the national registration exercise because they had been living in South Africa. Without a National ID, it becomes difficult to access many services. We want them to fully reintegrate and benefit from all services available to Ugandans.

Beyond identity cards, the returnees are receiving comprehensive support, including trauma counseling, psychological assistance, and ideological orientation. They are also being trained on government wealth creation programs, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, to equip them with skills for sustainable livelihoods. Seku emphasized the objective: "We do not want them to return to their communities empty-handed. They should understand how government programmes work, how they can benefit from them, and how agriculture and enterprise can improve their livelihoods."

Many returnees arrived in a distressed state, having lost businesses, jobs, and property. Seku noted a shift from initial anger and uncertainty to a sense of hope and appreciation for opportunities within Uganda. Some had lived in South Africa for decades, with over 216 children born there having little knowledge of their homeland. The program aims to help them rediscover their country and become productive citizens.

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We do not want them to return to their communities empty-handed. They should understand how government programmes work, how they can benefit from them, and how agriculture and enterprise can improve their livelihoods.