Government pressed by MPs on Somalis, Eritreans ‘take over’ of Makindye, Kabalagala suburbs

Members of Parliament have raised concern over proliferation of foreign nationals, especially Somalis and Eritreans, in several Kampala suburbs, who they say, appear to be dominating local economic activities.

The concerns were raised during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs with officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its agencies on March 31, 2026.

MPs cited areas such as Makindye, Ggaba, Kabalagala, Kansanga and Lukuli, where they said many foreigners are now operating businesses and competing directly with Ugandans.

MP Brandon Kintu questioned whether the foreigners, especially refugees, even if legally registered, should be allowed to engage in small-scale businesses.

“If you say these foreigners are here legally and they have been duly registered, are they also allowed to operate salons, run pedicure shops and all these economic activities that are meant for Ugandans?” Kintu asked.

Minister of Internal Affairs Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire in response, told the committee that many of the foreigners are refugees who fled instability in their home countries.

He clarified, however, that Uganda’s policy allows refugees to work and run businesses to support themselves.

“The government policy is that if a refugee can support himself or herself that eases the burden on the government,” Otafiire said.

Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, with many coming from countries such as Somalia, Eritrea and South Sudan. The government has maintained an open-door policy that allows refugees to live within communities and engage in economic activities.

In recent years, Kampala has seen a visible increase in Somali and Eritrean communities, particularly in suburbs close to the city centre. Many operate salons, restaurants, retail shops and mobile money businesses.

However, authorities and residents have also raised concerns about illegal activities linked to some foreign nationals. 

Security agencies have in the past warned about cases of human trafficking, prostitution rings and undocumented migrants operating in urban areas.