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Uganda has begun evacuating its citizens from South Africa after a surge in anti-migrant violence and a looming deadline set by vigilante groups, with the first group of returnees arriving at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday night. The evacuation follows a directive from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and is being coordinated by multiple government agencies, according to statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The first group of 273 evacuees landed aboard a special Uganda Airlines charter flight, as reported by AllAfrica. Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kasolo, who received the returnees, said the government was deeply saddened by the deaths of three Ugandans and had begun arrangements to repatriate their remains.

Coverage Comparison

Multiple AllAfrica reports provide consistent details about the evacuation, though they differ on the number of deaths. One report notes that at least three Ugandans have been killed, while another specifies that one Ugandan died following an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province. A third report mentions both the single death in KwaZulu-Natal and two additional fatalities in Cape Town and elsewhere, bringing the total to three.

All sources agree that the evacuation is a response to rising anti-migrant sentiment and violence in South Africa, with protests and ultimatums issued by vigilante groups. The June 30 deadline is a key driver, as reported in two of the source articles.

Key Claims

  • President’s Directive: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni directed the evacuation of Ugandan nationals from South Africa. This is confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by Minister Kasolo in public statements.
  • Deaths of Ugandans: At least three Ugandans have been killed in South Africa. Minister Kasolo confirmed the deaths, naming Wilbert Nuwamanya who was killed in KwaZulu-Natal, and mentioning an unidentified victim in Cape Town and a third victim. The High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Amoru Omiat, identified Nuwamanya as also known as Joseph Ainebyona.
  • Registration Numbers: 746 Ugandans have voluntarily registered for evacuation as of a June 28, 2026 press statement, with expectations that more will register.
  • Government Funded Evacuation: The government of Uganda is funding the evacuation flights, which will be operated by Uganda Airlines.
  • Evacuation Process: The process involves registering affected Ugandans across South Africa’s provinces, transferring them to safe assembly points, issuing emergency travel documents where needed, and coordinating with immigration authorities.
  • Other Countries: Several other countries have also begun evacuating their citizens from South Africa.
  • June 30 Deadline: Many Ugandans have already left South Africa independently after a reported June 30 deadline issued by vigilante groups demanding all undocumented foreign nationals leave.
  • Government Coordination: The operation involves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, and leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa.

Perspectives

The Ugandan government views the evacuation as evidence of its commitment to protecting citizens abroad. Minister Kasolo described the operation as “a testament to the seamless cooperation with our people in the diaspora,” and noted plans to organize meetings with returnees. The government continues to engage South African authorities over the safety of those who remain.

The protest groups in South Africa are reported to accuse undocumented immigrants of taking jobs, straining public services, and contributing to crime, and have issued a deadline for all undocumented foreign nationals to leave by June 30.