Uganda Launches Emergency Repatriation Program for Citizens Trapped in South Africa Amid Rising Xenophobic Violence

KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ugandan government has initiated an emergency voluntary repatriation program for citizens stranded in South Africa, following a surge in anti-migrant violence and coordinated protests that have endangered foreign nationals, according to Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune. The operation, ordered by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, involves Uganda Airlines operating charter flights to airlift citizens back to Kampala, as fears of widespread violence escalate ahead of a June 30 deadline.

746 Ugandans Register for Evacuation as Tensions Soar

So far, 746 Ugandans have registered for the emergency assistance program, with the government mobilizing Uganda Airlines to manage the evacuation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the death of one Ugandan national in KwaZulu-Natal province, marking the first reported fatality linked to the violence. The government has pledged to repatriate the victim’s remains while maintaining diplomatic ties with South Africa, according to Kyeyune’s statement during a press briefing.

June 30 Deadline: A Ticking Clock for Migrants

The evacuation effort mirrors actions by other African nations amid a crisis fueled by radical vigilante groups, including the “March and March” movement, which has demanded undocumented migrants leave South Africa by June 30 or face consequences. Authorities have deployed heavy police presence in major cities, but concerns persist about their ability to protect foreign communities. The Ugandan High Commission in Pretoria is fast-tracking emergency travel documents for those whose passports were lost in recent raids.

Structural Roots of Xenophobic Violence in South Africa

South Africa has faced recurring waves of xenophobic violence for nearly two decades, with local groups frequently blaming foreign nationals for unemployment and service failures. Kampala officials emphasized their commitment to protecting Ugandan citizens while collaborating with South African immigration authorities. “Uganda remains in close contact with the South African government to ensure the safety and dignity of all Ugandans who choose to remain,” Kyeyune stated.

Logistics of the Evacuation: Registration and Safe Zones

The evacuation protocol includes provincial registration via online portals and community leaders, directing nationals to secure assembly points. The Ministry of Works and Transport is funding the flights, with the Ugandan High Commission issuing urgent directives for citizens in South Africa to register for real-time security alerts and flight tracking.