Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed that arrangements be made for the evacuation of Ugandan nationals from South Africa following escalating anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests by vigilante groups, as the government confirmed that one Ugandan has been killed in the unrest.
According to a press statement issued on Saturday by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, the government regrets to report that an Ugandan national lost his life following an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
Preparations are underway to repatriate the body to Uganda.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working in close coordination with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in South Africa and the leadership of the Ugandan community in South Africa, is finalising an evacuation plan expected to commence in the next few days.
Currently, 746 Ugandans have voluntarily registered with the High Commission and sought assistance for evacuation due to safety concerns, with more expected to register.
The statement also noted that many Ugandans have already left South Africa on their own following a June 30, 2026 deadline reportedly issued by vigilante groups.
The evacuation plan entails the registration of affected Ugandans across the various provinces, their transfer to safe assembly centres, the issuance of emergency travel documents where necessary, and coordination with relevant immigration authorities to facilitate their departure.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport, arrangements are being made for Uganda Airlines to provide special charter flights for the evacuation exercise, fully funded by the Government of Uganda.
The government added that it continues to engage the South African government on the matter to ensure the security and safety of Ugandan nationals still residing there.
The statement noted that several other African governments have also evacuated their nationals from South Africa under the current circumstances.
(The Whistler)
