By Sulphine Bonabana
The Government of Uganda is preparing to evacuate hundreds of its nationals from South Africa following escalating anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests by vigilante groups.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed that arrangements be made to bring home Ugandans who have asked for assistance, with the evacuation expected to begin in the next few days.
According to a statement issued by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, 746 Ugandans have so far voluntarily registered for evacuation over safety and security concerns. More Ugandans are expected to come forward.
Kasolo said several Ugandans have already left South Africa on their own following a 30 June 2026 deadline reportedly issued by vigilante groups.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working 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 leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa to finalise the evacuation plan.
The plan includes registering affected Ugandans across different provinces, moving them to safe assembly centres, issuing emergency travel documents where necessary, and working with immigration authorities to support their departure from South Africa.
Government says Uganda Airlines is being prepared to operate special charter flights for the evacuation exercise. The flights will be paid for by the Government of Uganda.
Kasolo said Uganda is also engaging the Government of South Africa to ensure the safety and security of Ugandans who are still living there.
Government has confirmed that one Ugandan died following an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Kasolo extended condolences to the family and said preparations are underway to repatriate the body to Uganda.
He noted that Uganda is not alone in taking such action, saying some African countries have also evacuated their nationals from South Africa under the current circumstances.
