News
273 Ugandans arrive home after voluntary evacuation from South Africa
"From the moment concerns emerged, the Government of Uganda mobilised a whole-of-government response to assess the situation, coordinate contingency plans, and ensure that every Ugandan who wished to return home could do so safely and with dignity."
Acting foreign affairs minister Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune led officials in welcoming the first group of Ugandan nationals repatriated from South Africa, following anti-migrant protests in the country's main cities, at Entebbe International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Credit: Simon Peter Tumwine)
By: Simon Peter Tumwine, Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - A total of 273 Ugandan nationals evacuated from South Africa arrived safely in the country early Friday aboard the first flight under a government-led voluntary repatriation programme.
Among them were 18 children.
Uganda’s High commissioner to South Africa in Pretoria, Paul Amoru, accompanied the group, who arrived at Entebbe International Airport on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
The repatriation comes in the wake of a wave of anti-migrant protests in South Africa's main cities targeting undocumented foreigners.
The repatriation comes in the wake of a wave of anti-migrant protests in South Africa's main cities targeting undocumented foreigners. (All Photos by Simon Peter Tumwine)
There have been mounting fears that the protests could become violent, prompting the deployment of security personnel.
In recent weeks, many foreigners, mostly from other African countries, have left South Africa, some citing intimidation and fear for their lives.
Local police said the protests have been mostly peaceful. However, cases of looting have been reported in some locations.
Uganda's government-led voluntary evacuation exercise followed a directive by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni that all costs of the repatriation be fully met by the Ugandan government.
The returning first batch of Ugandans were received at Entebbe by officials led by the acting foreign affairs minister, Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune.
Amb. Amoru, who accompanied the group, conveyed their appreciation to President Museveni for the "swift intervention" of the government.
"They also appealed for support towards their reintegration upon return, and I have formally conveyed that request to Hon. Minister Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, who will provide further guidance on the Government’s plans," he said on social media platform X.
In recent weeks, many foreigners, mostly from other African countries, have left South Africa, some citing intimidation and fear for their lives.
Local police said the protests have been mostly peaceful. However, cases of looting have been reported in some locations.
Uganda's government-led voluntary evacuation exercise followed a directive by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni that all costs of the repatriation be fully met by the Ugandan government.
The returning first batch of Ugandans were received at Entebbe by officials led by the acting foreign affairs minister, Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune.
Amb. Amoru, who accompanied the group, conveyed their appreciation to President Museveni for the "swift intervention" of the government.
"They also appealed for support towards their reintegration upon return, and I have formally conveyed that request to Hon. Minister Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, who will provide further guidance on the Government’s plans," he said on social media platform X.
"I am pleased to inform you that this operation is continuing."
Amoru said another batch of Ugandan nationals is currently being processed and is expected to arrive later on Friday.
"We are also coordinating additional evacuations from other provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, to ensure that every Ugandan who wishes to return home is supported.
"Over the past week, the safety and wellbeing of Ugandan nationals in South Africa has been our foremost priority," added the ambassador.
"From the moment concerns emerged, the Government of Uganda mobilised a whole-of-government response to assess the situation, coordinate contingency plans, and ensure that every Ugandan who wished to return home could do so safely and with dignity."
Amoru also thanked the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for deploying a dedicated UPDF team to Pretoria.
"Their presence enabled us to undertake scenario planning, strengthen coordination, and enhance the security arrangements surrounding this voluntary evacuation exercise."
Amoru said another batch of Ugandan nationals is currently being processed and is expected to arrive later on Friday.
"We are also coordinating additional evacuations from other provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, to ensure that every Ugandan who wishes to return home is supported.
"Over the past week, the safety and wellbeing of Ugandan nationals in South Africa has been our foremost priority," added the ambassador.
"From the moment concerns emerged, the Government of Uganda mobilised a whole-of-government response to assess the situation, coordinate contingency plans, and ensure that every Ugandan who wished to return home could do so safely and with dignity."
Amoru also thanked the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for deploying a dedicated UPDF team to Pretoria.
"Their presence enabled us to undertake scenario planning, strengthen coordination, and enhance the security arrangements surrounding this voluntary evacuation exercise."