The Ugandan government will evacuate 771 nationals stranded in South Africa following a fresh wave of anti-immigrant protests that have raised fears for the safety of foreign nationals, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has announced. Speaking on Tuesday during the induction of members of the 12th Parliament in Munyonyo, Nabbanja said the first group of evacuees is expected to arrive in Uganda by Wednesday or Thursday as government coordinates the repatriation exercise.
“The government is coordinating the evacuation of 771 Ugandans from South Africa following anti-immigrant protests. The first returnees are expected within days,” she told legislators. “The evacuation follows renewed anti-immigrant demonstrations in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically been targeted by groups accusing them of taking jobs, running businesses unfairly and placing pressure on public services.
Previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence have resulted in deaths, injuries, looting of foreign-owned businesses and the displacement of thousands of migrants, prompting diplomatic interventions by several African governments. Uganda has previously repatriated citizens caught up in crises abroad, including conflicts in Sudan and the Middle East, working through its diplomatic missions and international partners to facilitate their safe return.
Nabbanja did not provide details of the evacuation arrangements or the conditions of the Ugandans awaiting repatriation but said the government was responding to growing security concerns affecting its citizens in South Africa. The Prime Minister announced while outlining the government’s priorities for the new parliamentary session and called on Members of Parliament to support the Executive’s legislative programme.
She said the programme is aligned with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), the National Resistance Movement manifesto for 2026–2031 and the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which aims to expand Uganda’s economy to US$500 billion by 2040. Nabbanja urged Parliament and the Executive to work together, saying effective oversight should improve government performance rather than create unnecessary confrontation.
“Oversight is not about confrontation. It is about strengthening government performance for the common good,” she said. The 12th Parliament is expected to begin its legislative work in the coming weeks after the completion of committee appointments and members’ induction-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
