Published on 05/08/2025
The Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, over the weekend delivered President Museveni’s empowerment package worth over USD 200,000 to Ugandans living in South Africa, as part of her ongoing diaspora mobilization drive for the ruling NRM party.
Being her second trip to S.A. in less than a month, Namyalo has visited communities in Sandton, Johannesburg, Rosettenville, Mayfair, Pretoria, and Cape Town, handing over USD 10,000 to each of over 20 Ugandan SACCO groups to support small businesses and uplift the lives of struggling Ugandan migrants.
At one meeting in Johannesburg, one of the recipients, Shafique Katumba alias Katsha De Bank, a known ally of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), welcomed the package and thanked President Museveni through Namyalo for extending support to diasporas who have long felt neglected by government authorities.
“We have been suffering here, but thank God Namyalo has come through,” Katsha 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 other beneficiaries was a women’s group led by Sarah Jamil, a former National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter who crossed to the NRM during Namyalo’s previous visit. She confirmed receipt of USD 10,000 and pledged to mobilize more Ugandans, especially at home, to support Museveni’s agenda, especially ahead of the 2026 elections.
“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,” Sarah said.
Other recipient groups in the various 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, Limpopo Women Development SACCO, among others.
Namyalo, popularly known as the Chief Muzzukulu, urged the beneficiaries to start viable income-generating projects and promised further interventions, including funding for students, help with voluntary repatriation, and skills-based placements for qualified individuals.
While in Pretoria, the ONC Boss also officiated at the 3rd Annual Convention of Ugandans in South Africa (COUSA), held at Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre. She delivered another USD 10,000 from the President to support their community initiatives and encouraged diasporas to align with government programs like PDM, Emyooga, and GROW fund for sustainable development.
“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 told the convention.
Meanwhile, Nakawa West MP hopeful, Hon Miles Rwamiti, who emceed the convention, echoed the need for more inclusive diaspora policies. He urged the government to improve access to its wealth creation programs, which many Ugandans abroad find difficult to benefit from.
Namyalo’s visit to the S.A. wasn’t without friction. In Mayfair, Langalakta, and other NUP-dominated neighborhoods, she faced resistance from disgruntled Ugandans protesting against President Museveni’s long rule, chanting “Museveni Must Go” and accusing the government of neglect.
“You talk of development, yet hospitals have no drugs, roads are bad, and our families suffer while we pay taxes,” shouted Moses Kizito, alias MK, the founder of the NUP diaspora wing in South Africa.
Vividly unshaken, Namyalo defended the President’s record. “Peace has prevailed under Museveni. Programs like PDM, Emyooga, UPE, and GROW are transforming lives back home. Uganda’s development speaks for itself.”
She later delivered another USD 10,000 to the NUP supporters, received by group chairman Byaruhanga Robin, but warned them against being used by opportunistic opposition actors. “Settle for the best. Museveni is the best,” she said.
Namyalo’s mission continues with more engagements scheduled in Cape Town and surrounding cities, as part of her drive to consolidate NRM support among diasporas, where NUP has previously held sway.
