Uganda evacuates citizens from South Africa as the government moves to protect its nationals following a surge in xenophobic protests and growing security concerns across parts of the country..
The move comes after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organize the safe return of Ugandans amid reports of increasing hostility toward migrants in several South African communities.
Speaking on Sunday, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo confirmed that preparations for the evacuation are in their final stages.
According to Kasolo, the government acted after receiving intelligence and reports indicating that anti-migrant demonstrations have intensified in recent weeks, with vigilante groups allegedly targeting undocumented immigrants and threatening further action.
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South Africa has witnessed a fresh wave of protests driven by groups accusing foreign nationals of taking employment opportunities, overwhelming public services, and contributing to crime. The demonstrations have heightened fears among immigrant communities, including Ugandans.
Reports indicate that several migrants have already lost their lives during the unrest, while organizers of the protests have reportedly issued a June 30 deadline demanding undocumented foreigners leave the country ahead of planned nationwide demonstrations.
Concerned that the situation could deteriorate further, Uganda has joined other African nations in preparing to bring its citizens home.
Kasolo said the evacuation exercise is being coordinated jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda’s High Commission in Pretoria, and leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa.
The government has also urged Ugandan nationals in South Africa to remain calm, stay alert, and closely follow official communication from Uganda’s diplomatic mission as evacuation preparations continue.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
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