By Sulaiman Kauki
KAMPALA — Uganda says it will begin a voluntary repatriation program for its citizens in South Africa amid rising anti-foreigner attacks that have affected parts of the country and left one Ugandan dead.
Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo said President Yoweri Museveni has instructed government bodies to organize support for those wishing to return. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Office of the Prime Minister, the ministries of Internal Affairs and Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in South Africa and community leaders are finalizing plans to launch the operation within days.
So far, 746 Ugandans have registered to receive evacuation help, the ministry said, and more are expected to sign up. Many others have already departed South Africa independently after reports of vigilante deadlines targeting foreigners.
The planned operation will involve registering Ugandans across provinces, moving them to assembly points, issuing emergency travel documents when needed, and coordinating with South African immigration authorities to clear departures. Uganda Airlines will run special charter flights funded by the Ugandan government for those who choose to return.
Kasolo confirmed one Ugandan was killed in an incident in KwaZulu-Natal and said arrangements are being made to repatriate the body. The government said it is maintaining contact with South African officials to safeguard Ugandans who remain and urged nationals to register with the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria for consular assistance and updates.
The announcement follows similar evacuation moves by other African countries responding to renewed waves of xenophobic unrest in South Africa, where migrants have periodically been targeted amid complaints about jobs and public services.