Uganda evacuates citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks; 746 registered for return
Uganda's government announced plans to evacuate hundreds of citizens from South Africa following months of escalating xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals. Acting Foreign Minister Haruna Kasolo said President Museveni directed agencies to begin evacuation arrangements, with 746 Ugandans already registered for voluntary return and more expected to sign up. The evacuation is set to begin within days via Ugandan government-funded charter flights on Uganda Airlines.
This comes after one Ugandan was killed in an attack in KwaZulu-Natal province, with Kasolo expressing condolences and confirming efforts to repatriate the body. The government is coordinating with South African authorities and Ugandan community leaders to register citizens across provinces, move them to safe assembly centers, issue emergency travel documents if needed, and facilitate departure through immigration channels.
The evacuation mirrors similar efforts by other African nations: Nigeria recently evacuated over 1,000 citizens via free Air Peace flights fully funded by the federal government, while Ghana Malawi Mozambique and Liberia have also organized repatriations. South Africa has seen repeated xenophobic violence outbreaks over the past two decades, with major attacks in 2008 2015 and 2019 resulting in dozens of deaths.
For Nigerians in South Africa this regional pattern highlights ongoing risks and the availability of government-assisted return options as seen in Nigeria's recent evacuation. Those wishing to return should contact their respective high commissions for registration details and departure schedules.