KAMPALA – The Government of Uganda has announced plans to evacuate hundreds of its nationals from South Africa following a surge in anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests that have left many foreign nationals fearing for their safety.
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said President Yoweri Museveni had directed the immediate evacuation of Ugandans affected by the worsening security situation.
“The President of the Republic of Uganda 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 ministry said.
The ministry revealed that at least 746 Ugandans have so far voluntarily registered for government assistance to return home, with officials expecting the number to rise as more nationals seek evacuation support.
The exercise will be coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, and leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa.
According to the government, affected Ugandans from different provinces will first be registered before being transported to designated safe assembly centres, where they will await evacuation.
Authorities also said emergency travel documents will be issued to nationals who require them, while immigration officials will facilitate their departure from South Africa.
The government disclosed that Uganda Airlines will operate special charter flights to transport the evacuees back home. The entire evacuation exercise, including the charter flights, will be fully funded by the Government of Uganda.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport, arrangements are being made for Uganda Airlines to provide special charter flights for the evacuation exercise. These flights will be funded by the Government of Uganda,” the ministry stated.
Officials noted that several Ugandans had already left South Africa independently after reports emerged that some vigilante groups had issued a June 30, 2026 deadline for foreign nationals to leave certain areas.
While preparations for the evacuation continue, the Ugandan government said it remains in close engagement with South African authorities to safeguard the welfare and security of Ugandans who choose to remain in the country.
The ministry also confirmed the death of one Ugandan national who was reportedly attacked in KwaZulu-Natal Province during the unrest.
Government expressed condolences to the bereaved family and announced that arrangements were underway to repatriate the deceased’s body to Uganda.
Officials further observed that Uganda is not alone in responding to the deteriorating situation, noting that several African countries have already evacuated their citizens from South Africa as xenophobic attacks continue to threaten migrant communities.
The statement announcing the evacuation was signed by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo.
The latest development comes amid renewed concerns over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals from several African countries have periodically been targeted in attacks linked to anti-immigrant sentiments. Governments across the continent are closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to protect their citizens living and working in the country.
