1 Ugandan Killed as Government Orders Evacuation of 746 Nationals from South Africa

The Ugandan government has announced an emergency evacuation of its citizens living in South Africa after a surge in anti-migrant violence claimed the life of one Ugandan.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Yoweri Museveni directed the immediate evacuation of Ugandans who wish to return home as security concerns continue to grow in several parts of South Africa.

Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo said preparations for the evacuation are already underway, with the first government-organised flights expected to begin in the coming days.

The ministry said the operation is being coordinated jointly with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, and leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa.

So far, 746 Ugandans have voluntarily registered for government assistance to return home. Officials expect the number to increase as more citizens seek help amid the worsening security situation.

Many Ugandans are also reported to have left South Africa independently after reports that vigilante groups issued a June 30 deadline demanding that foreign nationals leave certain areas.

Under the evacuation programme, Ugandans will first register in their respective provinces before being transported to designated assembly centres. The government will issue emergency travel documents to those who need them and work closely with South African immigration authorities to ensure a smooth departure process.

Uganda Airlines will operate special charter flights for the evacuation, with the Ugandan government covering all transportation costs.

Kasolo said the government is also engaging South African authorities to ensure the safety of Ugandans who choose to remain in the country and to protect their lives and property during the ongoing unrest.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that one Ugandan was killed during an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province. The government expressed condolences to the victim’s family and said arrangements are being made to repatriate the body to Uganda for burial.

Officials noted that Uganda is not the only country responding to the crisis, adding that several other African nations have already evacuated their citizens from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic violence.

The government has urged Ugandans still in South Africa to remain in contact with the Uganda High Commission and follow official guidance as evacuation efforts continue.