Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kasolo
Kampala — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately begin preparations for the evacuation of Ugandan nationals stranded in South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests.
The decision comes as violence targeting foreign nationals escalates across parts of South Africa, leaving several people dead, homes destroyed, and thousands displaced. One Ugandan national was reportedly killed during an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province, raising concerns over the safety of Ugandans living and working in the country.
The latest unrest has been fueled by anti-immigrant vigilante groups that have issued an ultimatum demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa by 30 June 2026. The threats have alarmed foreign nationals and prompted several governments to take measures to evacuate their citizens for safety.
In response, President Museveni instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate the safe evacuation of Ugandans wishing to return home.
According to a statement issued by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo, the Ministry is working closely with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, and leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa to finalize the evacuation plan. The exercise is expected to commence within the next few days.
Kasolo revealed that 746 Ugandan nationals have so far voluntarily registered for evacuation, citing growing security concerns and fears for their personal safety. Officials anticipate that the number of those seeking assistance could rise as the situation continues to deteriorate.
”The evacuation plan will involve the registration of affected Ugandans across South Africa’s provinces, their relocation to designated safe assembly centres, the issuance of emergency travel documents where necessary, and coordination with South African immigration authorities to facilitate their safe departure,” Kasolo said.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Government has tasked Uganda Airlines with operating special charter flights to repatriate the affected citizens. The entire evacuation exercise will be fully funded by the Government of Uganda.
The Ministry also noted that a number of Ugandans have already left South Africa independently following reports of the 30 June deadline issued by vigilante groups targeting foreign nationals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pledged to continue engaging the Government of South Africa through diplomatic channels to ensure the safety, security, and protection of Ugandans who choose to remain in the country while efforts to restore calm continue.
