President Yoweri Museveni, has directed that arrangements be made for the evacuation of Ugandan nationals from South Africa following the escalating anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests by vigilante groups over the past few months.
The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, made the revelation while addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on Sunday.
“Currently, 746 Ugandans have voluntarily registered and sought assistance for evacuation due to security and safety concerns, and more are expected to register. Additionally, many Ugandans have already left South Africa on their own following the 30 June 2026 deadline reportedly issued by the vigilante groups” he said.
According to Kasolo, the foreign affairs ministry is in close coordination with the Office of the Prime Minister, Internal Affairs, Works and Transport ministry, the Uganda High Commission in South Africa, and the leadership of the Ugandan community in South Africa, to finalise an evacuation plan that is expected to commence in the next few days.
“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 from South Africa” he said.
Kasolo further revealed that, arrangements are being made for Uganda Airlines to provide special charter flights for the evacuation exercise, which will be funded by the Government.
However Kasolo revealed that so far one Ugandan has been killed in the growing attacks in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, however he declined to name the deceased.
“On a sad note, the Government regrets to report that one Ugandan lost his life following an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Preparations are underway to repatriate the body to Uganda” he said.
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