Photo: Phiona Kyeru/Instagram
Former Miss Tourism Uganda Phiona Kyeru has sparked debate after revealing why some Ugandans living abroad are increasingly choosing privacy over traditional homecoming practices.
Speaking from her base in the United Kingdom, Kyeru described a growing trend among diaspora Ugandans who quietly return home without informing relatives or friends.
According to her, some travelers only disclose their presence after landing, and even then, opt to stay in hotels under assumed names rather than family homes.
“I know people who fly back home and don't tell a single soul until they’ve already landed and checked into a hotel under a different name,” she said. “Some call it paranoia; they call it ‘protection.’”
Kyeru linked the behavior to a mix of cultural fears and social pressure. Concerns about witchcraft, commonly referred to as “evil eyes,” as well as expectations from extended family members, were cited as key factors driving this shift.
For some, returning home openly can attract financial demands, emotional strain, or unwanted attention.
“Whether it’s the fear of witchcraft, ‘evil eyes,’ or just the overwhelming weight of village demands, the modern migrant has learned that privacy is the only way to enjoy home,” she explained.
Her remarks have resonated across social media, where users expressed mixed reactions.
While some supported the need for personal boundaries, others criticized the practice as a departure from African communal values, where family and openness are highly regarded.
Kyeru defended the decision as a practical choice shaped by lived experiences abroad and changing social dynamics. She noted that many diaspora individuals prefer to avoid potential vulnerability, even at the cost of being misunderstood.
“They’d rather be called ‘arrogant’ for staying in a hotel than be ‘vulnerable’ staying in the family compound,” she said. “Better to be judged from a distance than targeted up close.”