– Kampala, Uganda
The Ugandan government has begun plans to repatriate hundreds of its citizens from South Africa amid growing concerns for their safety following anti-immigrant unrest.
Acting Foreign Minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo announced Sunday that President Yoweri Museveni ordered the evacuation after months of xenophobic protests and violence against foreigners. At least 746 Ugandans have voluntarily signed up to return with government assistance, and this number is expected to rise in the coming days.
The operation will be coordinated with the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria. Officials will register the affected citizens in various provinces, transport them to safe assembly points, provide them with emergency travel documents where necessary, and arrange their departure. Uganda Airlines will operate special charter flights, fully funded by the Ugandan government.
A Ugandan citizen tragically lost his life in an attack in KwaZulu-Natal province. The government has expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and is arranging for the repatriation of his body. Many Ugandans have already left South Africa on their own before the June 30 deadline set by paramilitary groups.
This situation comes as several other African nations have evacuated their citizens from South Africa due to escalating tensions. Ugandan authorities continue to collaborate with South African officials to ensure the safety of those who remain in the country.