By Jumah Kakomo
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has called on the government to fast-track the evacuation of Ugandan nationals stranded in South Africa following reports of escalating xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
Speaking at the party headquarters in Kampala on Monday, FDC Deputy President Margret Wokuri Madanda welcomed the government’s decision to begin evacuation efforts but urged authorities to expedite the process to protect the lives of Ugandans.
Her remarks followed Sunday’s announcement by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo that the government had initiated plans to evacuate Ugandans from South Africa amid growing reports of attacks and vigilante threats against foreign nationals in several parts of the country.
Madanda said the protection of Ugandan citizens abroad should remain the government’s top priority, warning that any delay in the evacuation exercise could place more lives at risk.
“The safety and lives of Ugandans must come first. The worsening security situation requires swift action rather than prolonged diplomatic procedures,” she said.
The government has launched a multi-agency response involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda’s High Commission in South Africa, Uganda Airlines, and other relevant government agencies to facilitate the registration and evacuation of affected Ugandans.
Madanda said reports of the death of a Ugandan national in KwaZulu-Natal Province underscore the urgency of the situation and called for immediate action to protect those still at risk.
FDC Prepares for LC Elections
Meanwhile, the FDC has directed its district leaders across the country to begin identifying party flag bearers for the forthcoming Local Council I (LC I) and Local Council II (LC II) elections.
Last week, the Electoral Commission released the roadmap for the village elections, which are scheduled to take place between July and August. According to the roadmap, LC I elections will be held on July 28, 2026, while LC II elections are slated for August 10, 2026.
Madanda said the party intends to participate fully in the elections and instructed district leaders to identify credible candidates to contest under the FDC banner.
New NEC and Youth League Appointments
The party also announced appointments to fill vacancies in the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Youth League following the departure of former office bearers.
Madanda said the appointments were made by the party president in accordance with the FDC Constitution, in consultation with the NEC Working Committee, and subsequently approved by the National Executive Committee to strengthen the party’s leadership at both national and grassroots levels.
The newly appointed NEC members are:
- Hon. Kasozi Ibrahim – Deputy President, Buganda
- Hon. Akello Franka – Vice Chairperson, Northern Uganda
- Mr. Ssaazi Marlik – Secretary for Works
- Miss Lalam Lillian – Deputy Secretary for Works
- Kalija Kats – Deputy Secretary General for Research and Policy
The National Youth League Executive Committee also appointed:
- Asiimwe Karen – Youth Delegate, Western Region
- Masawi Ivan – National Youth League Treasurer
Madanda said the newly appointed leaders have already been sworn in and are expected to assume their responsibilities immediately as the party prepares for upcoming political activities.
