The Government of Uganda has announced emergency plans to evacuate hundreds of Ugandans from South Africa following a rise in anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the evacuation follows President Museveni’s directive to arrange the safe return of Ugandans who feel threatened by the deteriorating security situation.
The ministry made the announcement in a press statement issued on Sunday.
The rescue operation is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The Uganda High Commission in Pretoria and Ugandan community leaders in South Africa are also involved in the operation.
“Currently, 746 Ugandans have voluntarily registered and sought assistance for evacuation due to security and safety concerns, and more are expected to register,” said Mr Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, the acting minister of Foreign Affairs.
Uganda Airlines to Operate Evacuation Flights
Government said fear among Ugandans in South Africa has increased because of a June 30 deadline reportedly issued by local vigilante groups demanding that foreign nationals leave the country.
According to the government, several Ugandans have already left South Africa independently ahead of the deadline.
The planned evacuation will include registration of affected Ugandans across South Africa’s provinces.
Authorities will then transfer them to designated safe assembly points before departure.
Government said emergency travel documents will be issued to citizens who lost their passports during the unrest.
Ugandan officials will also coordinate with South African immigration authorities to ease the departure process.
Mr Kasolo confirmed that Uganda Airlines has been chartered for the evacuation.
“Arrangements are being made for Uganda Airlines to provide special charter flights for the evacuation exercise,” Kasolo said.
He added that the rescue flights will be fully funded by the Government of Uganda.
Ugandan Killed in KwaZulu-Natal
Government also confirmed the death of a Ugandan national during an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Amoru Omiat, identified the deceased as Wilber Niwamanya.
He said Niwamanya was also known in the Ugandan community as Joseph Ainebyona.
Niwamanya earned a living through a motorcycle delivery service in South Africa.
According to preliminary police reports, a mob assaulted him and later robbed him of his motorcycle.
Ambassador Amoru said Uganda’s mission in South Africa had written to the South African government seeking support to preserve the body before repatriation.
Government said the repatriation of the body will be funded by the state.
“The mission has also asked the South African authorities to carry out thorough investigations and ensure that those responsible for the killing are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” Ambassador Amoru said.
Violence Raises Wider Migrant Safety Concerns
The evacuation plan comes as South Africa faces renewed anti-migrant tensions across several areas.
Local anti-immigration groups have held demonstrations in different provinces, accusing foreign nationals of taking jobs, increasing crime and straining public services.
The unrest has revived memories of previous xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
In 2008, more than 60 people were killed in nationwide attacks targeting African migrants.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously condemned attacks on migrants and warned citizens against vigilantism.
However, his government has also faced domestic pressure over undocumented migration.
South African authorities have increased immigration enforcement as public frustration grows.
Police have also boosted security deployments in volatile townships ahead of the June 30 deadline.
Other African Countries Move to Repatriate Citizens
Uganda joins other African countries that have moved to help their citizens leave South Africa amid rising tensions.
Earlier this month, Malawi launched a voluntary repatriation programme after thousands of its nationals fled attacks and sought refuge in temporary camps around Durban.
Nigeria has also organised emergency flights for its citizens.
Ghana, Zambia and Mozambique have initiated repatriation efforts for their nationals.
Humanitarian agencies have raised concern about refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa who cannot safely return to their countries of origin.
They remain highly vulnerable as tensions continue to rise.
