Uganda orders evacuation of nationals as anti-migrant violence escalates in South Africa
Uganda has begun evacuating its nationals from South Africa after escalating anti-migrant violence, with 746 citizens registered for government-assisted.
Uganda has begun evacuating hundreds of its nationals from South Africa as anti-migrant violence escalates, with one Ugandan confirmed dead in KwaZulu-Natal. (Photo: Ihsaan Haffejee/REUTERS via DW)
Uganda has begun preparations to evacuate hundreds of its citizens from South Africa following escalating anti-migrant violence and xenophobic attacks, with the government confirming that one Ugandan has been killed.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said President Yoweri Museveni had directed the immediate evacuation of Ugandan nationals affected by the worsening security situation.
“President of the Republic of Uganda has directed that arrangements be made for the evacuation of Ugandan nationals from South Africa following the escalating anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests by vigilante groups over the past few months,” reads the statement.
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The ministry said 746 Ugandans have so far registered for the government-assisted evacuation, with more expected to join as insecurity persists in several parts of South Africa.
It said the evacuation exercise is being coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in South Africa, and leaders of the Ugandan community.
“The evacuation plan entails the registration of affected Ugandans across the various provinces, their transfer to safe assembly centres, the issuance of emergency travel documents where necessary, and coordination with relevant immigration authorities to facilitate their departure from South Africa,” said the ministry.
Uganda Airlines is expected to operate special charter flights to fly the evacuees home, with the government covering all associated costs.
Kampala also said it continues to engage South African authorities to ensure the safety and protection of Ugandan nationals who remain in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further confirmed that one Ugandan was killed in an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province. It said arrangements are underway to repatriate the body and extended its condolences to the bereaved family.
“On a sad note, the Government regrets to report that one Ugandan lost his life following an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province,” it said.
Uganda joins several other African countries that have launched evacuation plans for their citizens as anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests continue to spread across South Africa.