The Government of Uganda has launched an emergency evacuation exercise to help Ugandan nationals wishing to leave South Africa following rising security concerns linked to anti-migrant protests and xenophobic attacks that left one dead.
Acting Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo announced on June 28 that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had directed government agencies to facilitate the voluntary evacuation of Ugandans affected by the unrest.
The Rising Tensions in South Africa
The intervention comes amid growing reports of violence targeting foreign nationals in several South African communities, with fears escalating ahead of planned demonstrations and anti-migrant campaigns.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hundreds of Ugandans have expressed interest in returning home through the government-supported evacuation programme.
Ugandan Killed in KwaZulu-Natal
Government officials confirmed that a Ugandan national, Wilber Niwamanya, also known as Joseph Ainebyona, was killed in KwaZulu-Natal after he was allegedly attacked by a mob. His motorcycle was reportedly stolen during the incident.
Authorities said arrangements are underway to repatriate his body to Uganda.
There have also been reports circulating within the Ugandan community about another Ugandan identified as Ronald, who allegedly died in Kuils River. However, authorities had not officially confirmed those reports at the time of publication.
Uganda Airlines to Airlift Citizens Home
The evacuation exercise will be coordinated through Uganda’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Under the plan:
- Ugandans seeking evacuation will register through the Ugandan High Commission.
- Temporary assembly centres have been established in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
- Emergency travel documents are being processed for citizens who lost passports.
- Uganda Airlines will operate government-funded flights returning evacuees to Uganda.
Officials say the programme is voluntary and intended for Ugandans who feel unsafe and wish to return home.
𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐂𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐔𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀 pic.twitter.com/qJGST2ZHbY
— Government of Uganda (@GovUganda) June 28, 2026
