The Government of Uganda has announced plans to evacuate Ugandan nationals from South Africa following growing concerns over anti-migrant violence and xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in some areas of the country.
In a press statement released by the Uganda Ministry of Foreign Affairs today on June 28, 2026, the government said President Yoweri Museveni had directed authorities to organize the evacuation of Ugandans who wish to return home due to increasing security concerns.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is working together 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 Ugandan community leaders in South Africa to finalize the evacuation arrangements.
According to the statement, at least 746 Ugandan citizens have already registered and requested assistance to leave South Africa because of fears over their safety. The government expects the number of people seeking evacuation support to increase in the coming days.
The announcement follows reports of escalating anti-migrant protests and attacks by groups targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. The Ugandan government said some citizens had already left South Africa voluntarily after receiving what it described as reported deadlines from vigilante groups.
The evacuation plan will include registering affected Ugandans across different provinces, transferring them to safe assembly points, issuing emergency travel documents where necessary, and coordinating with immigration authorities to facilitate their departure from South Africa.
The Ugandan government also announced that arrangements are being made for Uganda Airlines to provide special charter flights to support the evacuation exercise. The flights will be funded by the Government of Uganda as part of efforts to assist citizens affected by the security situation.
Meanwhile, Uganda said it continues to engage with the Government of South Africa to ensure the protection and safety of Ugandan nationals who remain in the country.
The statement also confirmed that one Ugandan citizen lost his life following an attack in KwaZulu-Natal. The Ugandan government expressed condolences to the victim’s family and said preparations were underway to repatriate the body back to Uganda.
The situation highlights ongoing concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals from different African countries have previously faced attacks linked to tensions over employment, migration, and economic challenges.
Uganda joins other African governments like Ghana and Nigeria that have previously taken steps to protect and assist their citizens living abroad during periods of unrest. The government said its priority remains ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of Ugandans affected by the current situation.
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