The Government of Uganda has announced plans to evacuate Ugandan nationals from South Africa following rising anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests targeting foreign nationals. In a press statement issued on June 28th, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had directed that arrangements be made to bring back Ugandans who feel unsafe due to the escalating situation.
The ministry said it is working with the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in South Africa, and Ugandan community leaders in South Africa to finalize the evacuation plan. “Currently, 746 (seven hundred and forty-six) Ugandans have voluntarily registered and sought assistance for evacuation due to security and safety concerns, and more are expected to register,” the statement signed by Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, reads.
The government says many Ugandans have already left South Africa independently following a reported 30 June 2026 deadline issued by vigilante groups. According to Kasolo, the evacuation process will involve registering affected Ugandans across South Africa’s provinces, transferring them to safe assembly points, issuing emergency travel documents where necessary, and coordinating with immigration authorities to facilitate their departure.
He explained that the flights will be funded by the Government of Uganda. The government also confirmed that it continues to engage South African authorities over the safety of Ugandans who remain in the country. The statement also disclosed that one Ugandan died following an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province, with preparations underway to repatriate the body-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
