The Government of Uganda has announced plans to evacuate Ugandan nationals from South Africa following escalating anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests that have reportedly intensified over the past several months
In apress statement President Yoweri Museveni directed that immediate arrangements be made to facilitate the safe return of Ugandans affected by the unrest.
“The 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-migrant violence and xenophobic protests by vigilante groups over the past few months,” the statement reads.
However the Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo said his 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 finalise an evacuation plan expected to commence within the coming days.
According to Kasolo at least 746 Ugandans have so far voluntarily registered and requested government assistance to return home due to security concerns.
The government also revealed that several Ugandans have already left South Africa independently following a reported June 30, 2026 deadline issued by some vigilante groups.
Under the proposed evacuation programme, affected Ugandans across different provinces will first be registered before being transferred to designated safe assembly centres.
“The government will issue emergency travel documents to individuals who require them and work with immigration authorities to facilitate their departure from South Africa,’Minister Kasolo stated.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport, arrangements are being made for Uganda Airlines to operate special charter flights for the exercise.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport, arrangements are being made for Uganda Airlines to provide special charter flights for the evacuation exercise. These flights will be funded by the Government of Uganda,” Kasolo stressed..
The latest development comes amid growing concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have historically affected migrant communities from several African countries, including Uganda, as governments across the continent closely monitor the situation and take measures to protect their citizens abroad.
Anti-immigration groups, such as “March and March”, declared an unofficial deadline of June 30, 2026 for all undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. This ultimatum has sparked widespread fear of xenophobic violence, leading thousands of migrants to flee or seek safety at makeshift camps and police stations
Anti-migrant groups established the late-June deadline to demand that undocumented foreigners leave the country, warning of potential strikes or unrest if the government does not take aggressive action
meanwhile thousands of foreign nationals—notably from countries like Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Ghana—have packed their belongings to return home or sought shelter in temporary safe zones ahead of the deadline
