KAMPALA
The government of Uganda has announced detailed plans to evacuate hundreds of its citizens from South Africa following escalating anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests in parts of the country.
In a press statement, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo said President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organize the evacuation of Ugandans affected by the unrest.
The decision follows reports of escalating attacks by vigilante groups targeting foreign nationals over the past several months.
According to the ministry, 746 Ugandans have so far voluntarily registered for evacuation due to growing security concerns, with officials expecting more people to sign up in the coming days.
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 Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is working closely 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 finalize the evacuation exercise.
Officials said the operation is expected to begin within the next few days.
The government also announced that Uganda Airlines will provide special charter flights to transport evacuees back home.
According to the ministry, the charter flights will be fully funded by the Government of Uganda.
At the same time, Kampala said it remains in contact with the South African government to ensure the continued protection of Ugandans who choose to remain in the country.
The government confirmed that one Ugandan national was killed during an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family,” the statement said, adding that arrangements are underway to repatriate the deceased’s body to Uganda.
The Ministry noted that Uganda is not the only country responding to the situation, stating that several other African governments have also begun evacuating their nationals from South Africa due to the prevailing security conditions.
The latest announcement expands on an earlier update by the government confirming that President Museveni had directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate evacuation plans for Ugandans caught up in the unrest.
Authorities have urged Ugandan nationals in South Africa to remain in contact with the Uganda High Commission and follow official guidance as the evacuation process gets underway.
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