Uganda Evacuates 424 Citizens from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Violence

The Government of Uganda has evacuated 424 Ugandan nationals from South Africa following weeks of anti-migrant protests and reports of xenophobic violence targeting foreign residents.

The returnees arrived in three separate groups at Entebbe International Airport aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight as part of a coordinated government evacuation exercise.

The first batch consisted of 273 people, including 255 adults and 18 children. They were followed by a second group of 116 returnees who arrived at 7:00 a.m., and a third group of 35 individuals who landed at 8:00 a.m.

Speaking during the reception of the returnees, Uganda’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, described their arrival as a moment of relief for the nation and affected families.

He said President Yoweri Museveni directed the immediate mobilisation of resources to ensure the safe evacuation of Ugandans after reports of rising insecurity and threats against foreign nationals in South Africa.

Kasolo emphasized that protecting citizens abroad remains a core responsibility of government, adding that more than 700 Ugandans have already registered for voluntary repatriation.

He also revealed that three Ugandans died during the unrest, while efforts are ongoing to identify and repatriate the bodies of two others.

Addressing the returnees, he encouraged them to rebuild their lives in Uganda, noting that the country’s economy continues to expand and offers new opportunities.

“You committed no offence in going to South Africa to seek greener pastures, but I must confirm to you that the greener pasture is now here in Uganda,” he said.

Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Paul Omoru Omiat, praised President Museveni and senior government officials for their swift intervention, describing the evacuation as timely and compassionate.

He noted that many returnees came back without belongings after fleeing unsafe conditions and called for government support to assist their reintegration.

The President of the United Returnees Organisation, Mrs Lydia Mwesigwa, expressed gratitude to the government for ensuring their safe return, saying the organisation would support reintegration efforts through SACCOs and agricultural initiatives.

One returnee, Mr Mawanda Sayid Juma, who worked as a driver in South Africa since 2023, described difficult conditions faced by many Ugandans and urged government assistance, noting that several left behind property and long-term investments.

The reception was attended by senior military and diplomatic officials, including representatives from the UPDF and Uganda’s diplomatic mission in South Africa.