Xenophobia

The Ugandan government has begun evacuating its citizens from South Africa following growing security concerns ahead of planned anti-immigration protests scheduled for June 30. The evacuation was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Henry Oryem Okello, who said President Yoweri Kaguta…...

The Ugandan government has begun evacuating its citizens from South Africa following growing security concerns ahead of planned anti-immigration protests scheduled for June 30.

The evacuation was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Henry Oryem Okello, who said President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni directed that arrangements be made after reviewing the worsening security situation.

The statement reads in part: “His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, has directed that arrangements be made for the evacuation of Ugandan nationals from South Africa following the escalating anti-immigrant violence.”

According to the ministry, 746 Ugandan nationals have so far registered for evacuation after expressing fears for their safety, while more are expected to come forward.

“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. Additionally, many Ugandans had already left South Africa on their own following the 30 June 2026 deadline reportedly issued by the vigilante groups,” the statement added.

The ministry said the evacuation exercise includes the registration of affected citizens across South Africa, transportation to safe assembly centres, the issuance of emergency travel documents where necessary and coordination with immigration authorities to facilitate their departure.

It added that special charter flights would be arranged in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport and Uganda Airlines to evacuate the affected nationals.

The statement further noted: “It should be noted that the governments of some African countries have also evacuated their nationals from South Africa under the current circumstances.”

The government also confirmed that one Ugandan national was killed during the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal Province.

“On a sad note, the Government regrets to report that one Ugandan lost his life following an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Preparations are underway to repatriate the body to Uganda,” the statement said.

The ministry added that it would continue engaging the South African government to ensure the safety and security of Ugandan nationals who remain in the country.