Uganda has begun evacuating hundreds of its citizens from South Africa after a rise in anti-migrant violence and threats targeting foreign nationals heightened fears for their safety.
The emergency operation follows a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, with the government saying nearly 750 Ugandans have registered for state-sponsored flights back home.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the evacuation was ordered after months of growing hostility towards migrants and reports that vigilante groups had issued a June 30 deadline demanding that foreigners leave South Africa.
“President of the Republic of Uganda has directed that arrangements be made for the evacuation of Ugandan nationals from South Africa following the escalating anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests by vigilante groups over the past few months,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo said the decision was informed by the deteriorating security situation facing Ugandans living in the country.
He also confirmed that one Ugandan had been killed during an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
“On a sad note, the Government regrets to report that one Ugandan lost his life following an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Preparations are underway to repatriate the body to Uganda,” Kasolo added.
The government said it will meet the full cost of the evacuation, working alongside the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, the Office of the Prime Minister, community leaders and the Ministry of Works and Transport.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport, arrangements are being made for Uganda Airlines to provide special charter flights for the evacuation exercise,” Kasolo said.
The exercise will also include the registration of affected citizens, movement to designated assembly centres and issuance of emergency travel documents where necessary.
Official figures indicate that 746 Ugandans have so far volunteered for the evacuation programme, although authorities believe many others have already left South Africa through private means as insecurity intensified.
The unfolding crisis has also triggered wider concern across the region, with Uganda joining several African countries that have moved to bring home their nationals amid rising xenophobic tensions.
Even as the evacuation continues, Kampala says it remains in contact with South African authorities to ensure Ugandans who choose to remain are protected.
South African authorities have condemned the reported threats against foreign nationals and warned that anyone involved in intimidation or attempts to forcibly remove migrants from the country will face legal action.
