The Ugandan government has revealed plans to evacuate its nationals from South Africa in response to escalating xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant protests directed at foreigners.
According to a press statement released on June 28, 2026, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni instructed officials to organize the return of Ugandans who feel threatened by the worsening security situation.
The ministry is collaborating with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in South Africa, and leaders within the Ugandan community there to complete the evacuation arrangements.
“Currently, 746 Ugandans have voluntarily registered and requested assistance for evacuation due to security and safety concerns, with more expected to come forward,” the statement, signed by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, noted.
Authorities indicated that numerous Ugandans had already departed South Africa on their own following a reported June 30, 2026, ultimatum from vigilante groups. Kasolo outlined that the evacuation would include registering affected individuals across various provinces, moving them to secure collection points, providing emergency travel documents when needed, and working with immigration officials to enable their exit.
The government will cover the cost of the flights.
Officials also stated that they remain in contact with South African authorities regarding the protection of Ugandans still in the country.
The statement further revealed that one Ugandan lost his life in an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province, and arrangements are being made to repatriate his remains.Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Amoru Omiat, named the deceased as Wilber Niwamanya, also known as Joseph Ainebyona.
He worked as a motorcycle delivery operator.
Preliminary information suggests he was attacked by a group of assailants who stole his motorcycle.
The ambassador confirmed that the Ugandan mission had sent an official request to the South African government for assistance in preserving the body until it can be returned to Uganda.
The mission has also called for a full investigation to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for the killing.
This decision to evacuate comes amid one of the most severe recent surges of anti-migrant violence in South Africa.
For several months, anti-immigration groups have held protests in multiple provinces, blaming foreign nationals for job losses, rising crime rates, and strain on public services.
These groups have pushed for stricter measures against undocumented migrants and issued a June 30 deadline for illegal foreigners to leave the country.
The threat has sparked widespread fear, leading thousands of migrants to seek shelter, gather at diplomatic missions, or request assistance to return home.
Although South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has denounced the attacks on foreigners and cautioned against vigilantism, officials have recognized public discontent over illegal immigration and stepped up enforcement efforts.
Police have boosted deployments in preparation for potential unrest around the deadline.
The present tensions resemble earlier episodes of xenophobic violence that have affected South Africa since 2008, when attacks resulted in over 60 deaths.
Uganda joins several other African nations in repatriating their citizens. Malawi initiated a voluntary repatriation effort earlier this month after many of its nationals fled violence and took refuge in camps near Durban.
Nigeria arranged emergency flights for hundreds of its citizens, while Ghana and Mozambique also brought back large groups.
Zambia has started supporting those wishing to return, and Namibia has urged its nationals to stay alert and contact consular services if required.
International aid organizations have raised alarms that vulnerable migrants — particularly refugees and asylum seekers unable to return home safely — face heightened risks as the situation deteriorates.