The government will evacuate 746 Ugandans from South Africa following rising anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests.
President Museveni has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange the evacuation of Ugandan nationals who have asked to return home over safety concerns.
In a statement dated June 28, 2026, Acting Foreign Affairs minister Haruna Kasolo said the evacuation plan will start in the next few days.
The ministry is working 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 of the Ugandan community there.
“Currently, 746 Ugandans have voluntarily registered and sought assistance for evacuation due to security and safety concerns, and more are expected to register,” the statement reads.
The government said many Ugandans had already left South Africa on their own after vigilante groups reportedly issued a June 30, 2026 deadline.
Kasolo said the evacuation will include registration of affected Ugandans across South Africa’s provinces. They will then be moved to safe assembly centres.
The government will also issue emergency travel documents where needed and work with immigration authorities to ease their departure.
Uganda Airlines is expected to provide special charter flights for the exercise. The flights will be funded by the government.
Kasolo said Uganda was still engaging South Africa to secure Ugandans who remain in the country.
He also said one Ugandan had died after an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Preparations are underway to repatriate the body to Uganda,” the statement reads.
The government said some African countries had also evacuated their citizens from South Africa under similar circumstances.
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