The Ugandan government has announced an emergency evacuation of its citizens from South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks and escalating anti-immigrant tensions.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo confirmed on Sunday that the government will fully finance the evacuation exercise, with Uganda Airlines operating special charter flights to safely return stranded Ugandans home.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 746 Ugandans have so far registered for repatriation after reports of growing hostility towards foreign nationals. The move comes as some groups in South Africa have reportedly issued a June 30, 2026 ultimatum demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country, with threats of violent action against those who remain.
The registration, processing, and screening of affected Ugandans were conducted at designated centres in Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. The exercise was aimed at assisting citizens who voluntarily wish to return to Uganda amid the worsening security situation.
Uganda joins several other African nations responding to the crisis. Countries including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya have also activated evacuation plans for their citizens as fears grow over the possibility of widespread anti-immigrant violence across South Africa.
The Ugandan government has urged all citizens still in South Africa to remain vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and register for evacuation if they wish to return home safely.
