Bugisu Cultural Institution expresses concern over xenophobic attacks in South Africa
“We collectively fought the white regime as Africans, why lose focus over this now,” Masiga said.
Mbale: The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, has expressed concern over the safety of people from Bugisu and other Africans living in South Africa amid reports of renewed xenophobic attacks.
Masiga said His Highness the Umukuka of Bugisu, Jude Mike Mudoma, is deeply troubled by the reports emerging from South Africa regarding attacks and threats targeting foreign nationals.
According to Masiga, information reportedly corroborated by international media organisations including BBC and Al Jazeera indicates that the situation is becoming increasingly worrying for Africans living and working in South Africa.
He alleged that some indigenous groups in South Africa, particularly supporters linked to former South African President Jacob Zuma, could be exploiting the tensions for political purposes.
Masiga called upon President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the African Union and the United Nations to intervene and protect Africans living in South Africa.
He noted that many Ugandans and other Africans living in South Africa are either recognised refugees or legitimate business operators whose rights are protected under international human rights conventions and treaties.
Masiga urged South Africans not to forget the historical support offered by African countries, including Uganda, during South Africa’s liberation struggle against apartheid.
“We collectively fought the white regime as Africans, why lose focus over this now,” Masiga said.
He further claimed that the xenophobic attacks are targeting Africans and other foreign nationals, with reports indicating that businesses owned by migrant communities have been attacked.
Masiga, who described himself as knowledgeable in international law, said there is need to petition relevant continental and international bodies to intervene and address the situation.
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