In a continued effort to engage the Ugandan diaspora and strengthen support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, delivered an empowerment package valued at over USD 200,000 to Ugandans living in South Africa.
During her second visit to South Africa in less than a month, Namyalo traveled to key Ugandan migrant communities across Sandton, Johannesburg, Rosettenville, Mayfair, Pretoria, and Cape Town, where she handed over USD 10,000 to each of more than 20 Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).
The funds are intended to support small businesses and provide economic relief to Ugandans grappling with challenges in the Diaspora.
At a gathering in Johannesburg, one of the beneficiaries, Shafique Katumba—popularly known as Katsha De Bank and a known associate of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine)—expressed gratitude for the support.
“We have been suffering here, but thank God Namyalo has come through,” he said. “Many came to South Africa seeking jobs and dignity, only to be met with discrimination and hardship. We turned to gambling and hopelessness, but this support from the President brings us new hope.”
Among the recipients was a women’s group led by Sarah Jamil, a former supporter of the National Unity Platform (NUP) who recently crossed to the NRM during Namyalo’s earlier trip.
Sarah confirmed her group had received USD 10,000 and emphasized the transformative impact it would have on women migrants.
“We sold property to come here, hoping for better lives. Many women are single mothers now, struggling, but this money will help us start afresh. We thank President Museveni and Namyalo for considering us,” she said.
She also pledged to mobilize more Ugandans, especially back home, to support President Museveni’s 2026 re-election bid.
Other beneficiary groups from different provinces included the Turffontein team led by Sowed Kasim, Kabalaza Women Development Centre led by Breanda Kantalama, Pretoria Women Empowerment SACCO led by Mable, Sandton Single Mothers, and Limpopo Women Development SACCO, among others.
Namyalo, widely known among supporters as the “Chief Muzzukulu,” encouraged all recipients to invest the funds into income-generating projects.
She also promised additional interventions, including financial support for students, help with voluntary repatriation, and skills-based job placements for qualified individuals within the diaspora.
While in Pretoria, Namyalo officiated at the 3rd Annual Convention of Ugandans in South Africa (COUSA), held at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre.
There, she delivered an additional USD 10,000 from President Museveni to bolster community projects. She urged Ugandans in South Africa to align with government wealth creation programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the GROW fund.
“You are not just citizens abroad, you are Uganda’s ambassadors. Your role in building the image of Uganda and contributing to her transformation is key,” Namyalo said at the convention.
Hon. Miles Rwamiti, a Nakawa West MP hopeful who served as emcee at the COUSA event, echoed her sentiments, stressing the importance of inclusive policies for Ugandans abroad.
He called on the government to improve diaspora access to state-led economic initiatives, noting that many migrants struggle to benefit from wealth creation programs.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive response, Namyalo’s outreach was not without resistance.
In neighborhoods like Mayfair and Langalakta, known for their NUP leanings, Namyalo encountered vocal opposition. Discontented migrants chanted “Museveni Must Go” and decried issues such as poor service delivery in Uganda.
“You talk of development, yet hospitals have no drugs, roads are bad, and our families suffer while we pay taxes,” said Moses Kizito, alias MK, founder of the NUP diaspora wing in South Africa.
Namyalo remained composed and firmly defended President Museveni’s legacy.
“Peace has prevailed under Museveni. Programs like PDM, Emyooga, UPE, and GROW are transforming lives back home. Uganda’s development speaks for itself,” she stated.
Despite the protests, she proceeded to deliver USD 10,000 to the NUP-aligned group, which was received by their chairman, Byaruhanga Robin.
She cautioned them against being manipulated by self-serving political actors, declaring, “Settle for the best. Museveni is the best.”
Namyalo’s diaspora engagement mission is set to continue with more visits scheduled across Cape Town and neighboring cities.
Her campaign aims to solidify NRM’s influence in the diaspora, particularly in regions previously dominated by the opposition.
