The Ugandan government is planning a mission to bring home its citizens from South Africa after the situation there turned worse with anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests that targeted foreign communities.
President has given instructions to government departments to prepare for the evacuation of Ugandans who aren’t safe in the country where there have been security problems due to activities of vigilante groups in some areas of South Africa.
The Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Sunday that it’s coordinating with the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in South Africa, and community leaders of Ugandans to complete the evacuation plan which is expected to start very soon.
The government indicated that so far 746 Ugandan nationals have willingly registered and asked for help to leave South Africa due to insecurity, and there are others who may join the evacuation.
Those who have returned home independently speak of a vigilante group deadline of 30 June 2026 after which foreign nationals should leave the country.
The evacuation is to be a step, by, step process that includes identifying and registering Ugandans exposed to danger in different areas, transferring them to safe places, issuing emergency travel documents to those without them, and working closely with the immigration department to support their departure.
Government and Ministry of Works and Transport staff are also in discussions with Uganda Airlines for provision of special charter flights in the evacuation, which will be completely sponsored by the Ugandan government.
In addition, Uganda indicated it’s still in talks with South Africa to guarantee the protection and well, being of its citizens living there.
The release also mentioned one Ugandan was killed in the attack. The government sent their sympathies to the family and said they’re making the necessary arrangements for the corpse to be flown back to Uganda.
