Umukuka Appeals to President Museveni Over Safety of Bamasaaba in South Africa
The Umukuka of Bugisu, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, has expressed deep concern over the safety of Bamasaaba people living in South Africa amid rising xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
According to the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, the Umukuka is greatly disturbed by reports emerging from South Africa, describing the situation as worrying and dangerous for many Ugandans and other African migrants living there.
Masiga said information from international media outlets, including the BBC and Al Jazeera, as well as sources within South Africa, indicates that tensions are escalating, leaving many foreign nationals living in fear and uncertainty.
He alleged that some indigenous South African groups, particularly factions linked to former South African President Jacob Zuma, are fueling anti-foreigner sentiments as part of wider political mobilization efforts.
“The Umukuka is having sleepless nights over the fate of Bamasaaba and other Ugandans in South Africa who are facing threats and intimidation,” Masiga said.
He called upon President Yoweri Museveni, the African Union, the United Nations, and other international organizations to intervene and protect Africans living in South Africa.
Masiga noted that many Ugandans in South Africa are either legally recognized refugees or business people with legitimate investments protected under international law and human rights conventions.
“Many people living in South Africa are there legally, either as refugees or business owners, and their rights are protected under international conventions, including the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights,” he said.
He further appealed to South Africans not to forget the historical support offered by African countries during South Africa’s liberation struggle against apartheid.
“We had a full military support base in Entebbe here in Uganda that supported ANC combatants during the liberation struggle. Africans fought together against oppression, and we should not lose sight of that shared history,” Masiga added.
According to Masiga, the xenophobic attacks are reportedly targeting businesses owned by migrant communities, while some school children have allegedly been drawn into mocking and intimidating foreigners.
He condemned the attacks as contrary to international law and human rights principles.
Masiga, who described himself as knowledgeable in international law, said there is a need to petition continental and global bodies to urgently address the growing crisis before more lives and property are lost.
