KAMPALA – A number of Legislators in the 10th Parliament have on September 5, expressed concerns over the xenophobic attacks in South Africa with calls to Government to ensure the safety of Ugandans residing in South Africa.
Leading the discussion on the matter was Deputy Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah who said it was about time for the world to embark on discussions on these hate-filled attacks.
During his communication in Thursday’s plenary sitting Oulanyah remarked, “A country in West Africa is retaliating. We now have this term called xenophobia. Several citizens of other countries have been affected. We need to start discussion on how to handle this situation. The situation in the southern part of Africa is worrying. Gov’ts must come together to do something about this situation. You have heard what I have heard.”
Deputy Speaker questioned the motive behind attacks of foreign nationals adding, “People migrate for all reasons; search for opportunities and if the security situation is not favourable”.
He was joined in rebuking the attacks Nigerians in South Africa as well as South Africa based businesses in Nigeria and Zambia by Cecilia Ogwal who demanded for a statement from the Minister Foreign Affairs on the safety of Ugandans in South Africa following the Xenophobic attacks there.
Muwanga Kivumbi also weighed into the matter saying that the intolerance is growing and a global trend noting, “We need the to issue a statement on externalisation of labour. The youth are moving for opportunities because they are immunised and educated”.
Jacqueline Amongin(Ngora County) said that what is happening in South Africa is not just about Ugandans and described the xenophobic attacks in South Africa are unacceptable and condemned the attacks adding that the safety of all Africans in South Africa is not guaranteed.
