Uganda’s first charter flight carrying citizens evacuated from South Africa is expected to arrive in the country on Wednesday as the government begins a repatriation programme following growing security concerns among Ugandan nationals living there.
Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo said the first group of evacuees would be received after Uganda Airlines arranged special charter flights to bring home citizens who voluntarily registered for return. The evacuation is being funded by the Ugandan government.
The operation follows heightened fears among foreign communities in South Africa after anti-immigrant protests and threats from vigilante groups targeting undocumented migrants. Ugandan authorities said the evacuation plan was developed to protect citizens who felt unsafe and facilitate their safe return home.
Kasolo said the process involved registering affected Ugandans across South Africa, moving them to safe assembly centres, issuing emergency travel documents where necessary and coordinating with immigration authorities to allow their departure.
The number of Ugandans seeking assistance has increased in recent days, with officials reporting that hundreds had registered for voluntary repatriation. Earlier reports indicated that more than 700 Ugandans had signed up, with the figure later rising as more people approached diplomatic authorities.
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Uganda’s decision comes after reports of attacks against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, including the death of a Ugandan citizen in KwaZulu-Natal province. The government said arrangements were being made to repatriate the victim’s remains while continuing diplomatic engagement with South African authorities.
Uganda’s High Commission in South Africa has been coordinating the evacuation alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport and leaders of the Ugandan community. Officials have also urged citizens who wish to return to register with the embassy to receive assistance.
Kasolo said the government would continue working with South African authorities to protect Ugandans who choose to remain in the country, particularly those with businesses, jobs and established investments.
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The evacuation comes amid wider concerns over xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where migrant communities have periodically faced hostility linked to unemployment, economic hardship and political pressure. Previous waves of anti-foreigner violence have affected migrants from several African countries.
Uganda is among several African nations that have taken steps to assist citizens facing insecurity abroad, as governments respond to growing pressure to protect migrant populations while maintaining diplomatic relations with South Africa.
For Uganda, the repatriation effort represents a major consular operation aimed at ensuring the safety of its citizens while addressing immediate concerns among those affected by the unrest.
The government has said the evacuation will continue for registered Ugandans who require assistance, while diplomatic discussions continue to safeguard those who remain in South Africa.
