The Government of Uganda has launched the registration and issuance of National Identity Cards to Ugandans recently repatriated from South Africa, marking a key step in helping them rebuild their lives after fleeing xenophobic violence.
The registration exercise, led by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, is targeting more than 700 returnees who arrived in Uganda under a government-led evacuation program.
Beyond providing National IDs, the rehabilitation program offers trauma counseling, psychological support, ideological orientation, and practical training in government wealth-creation initiatives. The goal is to help the returnees reintegrate into society with renewed confidence, knowledge, and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), Ms. Hellen Seku, said taking NIRA services directly to the rehabilitation center was intended to ensure that every returnee gains access to essential government services.
“Many of them missed previous national registration exercises because they had been living in South Africa. Without a National ID, accessing government services becomes difficult. We want them to reintegrate fully and enjoy every opportunity available to Ugandans,” Ms. Seku said.
She explained that several government agencies, including the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), mobile telecommunications companies, and financial institutions, have also established services at NALI to simplify the transition back to life in Uganda.
As part of the rehabilitation process, the returnees are participating in structured training covering patriotism, entrepreneurship, agriculture, financial literacy, and government development initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
According to Ms. Seku, the objective is to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge that will enable them to build sustainable livelihoods instead of seeking uncertain opportunities abroad.
“We want them to return to their communities empowered, understanding how government programs work and how they can benefit through agriculture, enterprise, and other income-generating activities,” she said.
She noted that many of the returnees arrived emotionally devastated after losing businesses, jobs, and property during the attacks in South Africa.
“When they first arrived, many were angry, traumatized, and uncertain about their future. Today, they are calmer, more hopeful, and beginning to appreciate the opportunities available here at home,” she added.
Ms. Seku also revealed that some returnees had lived in South Africa for between 20 and 45 years, while more than 216 accompanying children were born there and had little knowledge of Uganda.
“They needed counseling, guidance, and a renewed sense of belonging. We are helping them rediscover their country and return to their communities as productive citizens rather than victims,” she said.
NIRA Registers More Than 410 Returnees
NIRA’s Senior Registration Officer, Capt. Darius Turyahikayo, said the exercise has progressed smoothly since its launch earlier this week, with more than 410 adults and children already registered.
“As NIRA, we register every Ugandan from birth. Many of these citizens missed previous registration exercises because they were living abroad. Bringing these services closer ensures that no one is left behind,” he said.
Capt. Turyahikayo assured the returnees that every eligible applicant would receive a National Identity Card before leaving the rehabilitation center.
“Our Executive Director directed that every returnee should obtain an ID before departing Kyankwanzi, and we are committed to delivering on that commitment,” he said.
Government Commended for Supporting Returnees
Ms. Seku praised President Yoweri Museveni for directing government institutions to coordinate the repatriation and reintegration program, describing the returnees as “special visitors” of the President.
She revealed that President Museveni is expected to meet the group during the program’s closing ceremony on July 17, 2026.
She also commended the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NIRA, URSB, and the management of NALI for working together to ensure the successful rehabilitation of the returnees.
Returnees Express Gratitude
Musician Billy Katumba, popularly known as Kasodde, said the rehabilitation program has restored hope to many Ugandans who endured traumatic experiences during the violence in South Africa.
“We are being treated with dignity. The counseling has helped us heal emotionally, while the training has opened our eyes to opportunities we had never considered. Going straight home without this support would have been extremely difficult,” Katumba said.
He encouraged Ugandans still facing insecurity in South Africa to consider returning home and rebuilding their lives.
Many of the repatriated Ugandans lost businesses, employment, homes, and personal property during the xenophobic unrest. The government’s comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration program is therefore playing a critical role in restoring their dignity, rebuilding their confidence, and giving them the tools needed to begin a new chapter of productive and sustainable lives in Uganda.
