Ugandan Nationals Evacuated
Uganda initiates urgent evacuation plan for nationals in South Africa amid escalating anti-migrant violence
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Key Points
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The Ugandan High Commission in Pretoria estimates at least 50,000 Ugandans live in South Africa, a figure far larger than the number currently signing up for evacuation.
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South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned vigilante actions will be curbed and that the government will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the country.
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The evacuation coordination involves a broad inter-ministerial and community-led effort, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinating in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, Internal Affairs, Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in South Africa, and Ugandan community leaders.
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Uganda’s plan states that the evacuation is expected to commence within days, signaling rapid implementation once arrangements are finalized.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has ordered the evacuation of Ugandan nationals from South Africa, as xenophobic violence intensifies and vigilante groups push a June 30 deadline for foreign nationals to leave. One Ugandan was killed in KwaZulu-Natal on June 25, acting as the direct trigger for the government's action, according to New Vision.
As of June 28, 746 Ugandans have formally registered for the government-assisted return. Uganda Airlines will operate fully state-funded charter flights to bring them home. The Ugandan High Commission in Pretoria estimates that roughly 50,000 Ugandans live in South Africa — meaning the vast majority have not yet signed up, according to Pulse Uganda.
One Death Sparks an Urgent Government Evacuation Order
The June 25 killing of a Ugandan in KwaZulu-Natal pushed Museveni to act. On the morning of June 28, Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kasolo held a press conference to lay out the plan, according to ugdiplomat.com. The operation covers registration across South African provinces, relocation to safe assembly centers, and emergency travel documents for those who need them.
Kasolo said the evacuation is "expected to commence within the next few days." The effort spans several government bodies — the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Works and Transport are all involved. Ugandan community leaders on the ground are also helping coordinate, according to People Daily.
Vigilante Groups Issued a June 30 Deadline for Migrants to Leave
Groups called Operation Dudula and the "March and March" movement have driven much of the pressure. They set a June 30 deadline demanding the removal of foreign nationals from township economies. Tensions in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal began building as early as February 2026, fueled by South Africa's 32% unemployment rate, according to Demócrata.
The Ugandan government calls the evacuation "voluntary." But community leaders argue the June 30 deadline makes that label misleading. With violence rising, many Ugandans had already left on their own before registering with the government, according to Pulse Uganda.
Uganda Follows Nigeria and Others in Pulling Citizens Out
Uganda is not acting alone. Nigeria was the first to move, airlifting 258 citizens on June 11 — about two weeks before Uganda's order. Nigeria has roughly 1,000 citizens registered for its full program. Mozambique and Ghana have also begun pulling nationals out, according to People Daily.
Analysts say the wave of evacuations signals a collective loss of trust in South Africa's police to protect foreign residents. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has pushed back, warning that "we will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the country by anyone, whether through marches or in any other way," according to Demócrata. He has placed security forces on high alert in hotspot areas.
50,000 Ugandans in South Africa, Only 746 Asking to Leave
The gap between the 50,000 estimated Ugandans in South Africa and the 746 registered evacuees is striking. Many have built businesses, careers, and lives there. Returning home raises its own challenges — Uganda must reintegrate hundreds of workers into a domestic labor market that may not be ready for them, according to Demócrata.
Uganda and South Africa continue diplomatic talks to protect those who stay. But the use of state-funded charter flights marks a serious strain in relations between the two countries. The Ugandan government says it will keep dialogue open with Pretoria while moving quickly to bring registered nationals home, according to Pulse Uganda.
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