The Government of Uganda has announced plans to evacuate hundreds of its citizens from South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests that have raised fears for the safety of foreign nationals.
The evacuation follows a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, who instructed government agencies to facilitate the safe return of Ugandans seeking to leave South Africa.
In a statement, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo said 746 Ugandan nationals have so far registered for voluntary evacuation, with officials expecting the number to increase as registration continues.
According to the ministry, some Ugandans have already departed South Africa independently after reports that vigilante groups issued a deadline for foreign nationals to leave certain areas.
Authorities said preparations for the evacuation are being 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 South Africa, and leaders of the Ugandan community.
The operation will involve registering affected citizens, transporting them to designated assembly points, processing emergency travel documents for those without valid papers, and coordinating with South African immigration authorities to facilitate their departure.
The government also confirmed that Uganda Airlines is on standby to operate special charter flights that will return the evacuees to Uganda. Officials said the government will meet the cost of the flights.
Uganda is also engaging the South African government through diplomatic channels to strengthen security measures for Ugandans who choose to remain in the country.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that one Ugandan was killed during an attack in KwaZulu-Natal. Government officials extended condolences to the bereaved family and said arrangements are underway to repatriate the deceased’s remains to Uganda.
Officials noted that Uganda joins several other African countries that have taken steps to evacuate their citizens as concerns over xenophobic violence continue to grow in parts of South Africa.