By Jumah Kakomo
The Government of Uganda has announced plans to evacuate its citizens from South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant violence that has intensified in recent months.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Sunday, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, said President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had directed the government to immediately begin arrangements for the safe evacuation of Ugandans affected by the deteriorating security situation.
Kasolo said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working in collaboration 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, is finalizing an evacuation plan expected to commence within the next few days.
According to the minister, 746 Ugandan nationals have so far voluntarily registered for government-assisted evacuation due to growing security concerns. He added that more Ugandans are expected to register, while others have already left South Africa independently following a reported 30 June 2026 deadline allegedly issued by vigilante groups targeting foreign nationals.
Kasolo said several African countries have also begun evacuating their citizens from South Africa in response to the escalating violence.
He explained that Uganda’s evacuation plan includes registering affected nationals across South Africa’s provinces, transporting them to designated assembly centres, issuing emergency travel documents where necessary, and coordinating with immigration authorities to facilitate their departure.
The minister further revealed that, in partnership with the Ministry of Works and Transport, the government is arranging for Uganda Airlines to operate special charter flights for the evacuation exercise. The Government of Uganda will fully fund the cost of the flights.
“In the meantime, the Government of Uganda continues to engage the Government of the Republic of South Africa to ensure the security and safety of Ugandan nationals who remain in the country,” Kasolo said.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru, speaking via Zoom, confirmed that one Ugandan national had been killed in an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province. The deceased was identified as Niwamanya Wilber, also known as Ayenebyona Joseph.
Amoru conveyed the government’s condolences to the bereaved family and said preparations were underway to repatriate the deceased’s body to Uganda.
The Ugandan government has urged all its citizens in South Africa to remain in close contact with the Uganda High Commission and to follow official guidance as evacuation arrangements are finalized.
