Uganda has announced plans to evacuate hundreds of its citizens from South Africa as fears grow over a fresh wave of anti-migrant violence and xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The evacuation follows a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, who instructed government agencies to facilitate the return of Ugandans who have requested assistance. The exercise is expected to begin within the next few days.
In a statement, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo said 746 Ugandans have so far voluntarily registered to return home because of worsening security concerns. He added that the number is likely to rise as more citizens seek government assistance.
According to Kasolo, some Ugandans have already fled South Africa on their own after vigilante groups reportedly issued a 30 June 2026 deadline ordering foreign nationals to leave.
Government is now coordinating an evacuation operation involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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 the country.
As part of the exercise, affected Ugandans will be registered from different provinces before being transported to designated assembly centres. Authorities will also issue emergency travel documents to those who need them and work with South African immigration officials to facilitate their departure.
Kasolo said Uganda Airlines is on standby to operate special charter flights for the evacuation, with all travel costs to be met by the Government of Uganda.
He added that the Ugandan government is in contact with South African authorities to ensure the continued protection of Ugandans who remain in the country during the ongoing tensions.
Government also confirmed that one Ugandan was killed in an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Kasolo extended condolences to the deceased’s family and said arrangements are being made to repatriate the body to Uganda.
He noted that Uganda is among several African countries that have decided to evacuate their citizens from South Africa as concerns over the safety of foreign nationals continue to grow.
