By Ben Musanje
Government has repatriated 1,130 Ugandans from South Africa following attacks targeting foreign nationals, with 880 citizens evacuated by Tuesday and an additional 250 brought home on Wednesday evening through an emergency airlift coordinated by several government agencies.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Regional Affairs Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune told Parliament on Wednesday that the evacuation followed a directive by President Yoweri Museveni after the safety of Ugandan nationals in South Africa was threatened by a wave of attacks against foreign residents.
Kasolo was presenting a statement to Parliament following concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi during Wednesday’s sitting over the repatriation of Ugandans affected by the unrest in South Africa.
The minister said the evacuation exercise was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Chief of Defence Forces, Uganda Airlines, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria and leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa.
He said 880 Ugandans had been evacuated and repatriated by Tuesday, July 7, while a second phase of the emergency airlift on Wednesday evening brought an additional 250 citizens back home, raising the total number of returnees to 1,130.
Kasolo said government would continue coordinating emergency support for Ugandans affected by the attacks and would remain engaged with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of citizens who may still require assistance.
The evacuation followed heightened tensions in South Africa after vigilante pressure groups, particularly the March and March group, issued an ultimatum demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country by June 30, 2026.
According to Kasolo, the ultimatum contributed to attacks against foreign nationals and destruction of businesses owned by migrants from various African countries.
He said the government took action after receiving reports that the safety of Ugandan nationals had been compromised, leading to the decision to facilitate their return home.
Kasolo expressed appreciation to President Museveni for directing that immediate arrangements be made to evacuate Ugandans whose lives were at risk.
He also commended the agencies involved in implementing the evacuation programme, saying their coordination enabled the government to respond quickly to the emergency.
The minister told Parliament that xenophobic violence in South Africa was not a new occurrence, noting that the country had experienced periodic outbreaks targeting foreign nationals since the early 1990s, with the incidents becoming more visible from 2008 onwards.
He said the attacks have often occurred in communities facing serious socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, poverty, inequality, pressure on public services and competition for informal trading spaces and employment opportunities.
Kasolo said the situation was further complicated by reports that some of the Ugandans evacuated had lived in South Africa for several years without proper documentation.
He said the circumstances highlighted the need for urgent, coordinated and decisive action by governments to address irregular migration while ensuring that the rights and dignity of individuals are respected.
The minister emphasized that no grievances, regardless of how deeply felt, could justify violence against fellow Africans.
He said allegations of criminality should be addressed through lawful processes and should not be used as a basis for targeting entire nationalities or groups of people.
According to Kasolo, xenophobic attacks undermine social cohesion, threaten public order and violate principles of human dignity, justice, peaceful coexistence and Pan-African solidarity.
He said Uganda and South Africa continue to enjoy strong bilateral relations supported by trade, investment, tourism, education, defense cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
The minister said Uganda would continue engaging South African authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure the protection of its citizens and to seek accountability for those involved in acts of violence.
He said government appreciated assurances from South African authorities regarding the protection of legally documented foreigners and their commitment to investigate incidents of violence and hold perpetrators accountable under the law.
Kasolo said the events also underscored the need for Uganda to intensify domestic interventions aimed at creating employment and economic opportunities for citizens.
He pointed to government programmes such as the Parish Development Model and other wealth creation initiatives as important measures aimed at enabling Ugandans to pursue sustainable livelihoods at home.
The minister extended condolences to the families of the three Ugandan nationals who lost their lives during the unrest and expressed sympathy to all those affected.
He assured Ugandans in South Africa that their safety, dignity and welfare remained a priority for government.
Kasolo said Uganda’s High Commission in Pretoria continued to closely monitor developments, engage the Ugandan community and work with South African authorities to provide consular assistance.
He encouraged Ugandans still in South Africa to remain vigilant, avoid areas affected by unrest, comply with the laws of the host country and maintain regular contact with the High Commission.
The minister reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to peaceful coexistence among African peoples, saying the country would continue supporting lawful migration, protection of human rights and cooperation among African nations.
He noted that Uganda remains Africa’s leading refugee-hosting country and has maintained an open refugee policy based on solidarity, compassion and shared responsibility.
Kasolo said Uganda’s experience in hosting refugees had demonstrated that diversity could become a source of strength and that the country would continue working with regional and international partners to protect the rights and safety of citizens both at home and abroad. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
