More than 200 Ugandan nationals have safely returned to their homeland as part of a government-facilitated voluntary evacuation from the Republic of South Africa, with close to 300 additional citizens expected to arrive by Saturday, bringing the total number of evacuees to nearly 500.
Thousands of other Ugandans continue to live, study, and work peacefully across South Africa, contributing to the host nation’s economy and society, the High Commissioner has confirmed.
The High Commissioner of Uganda to South Africa, H.E. Ambassador Paul Amoru, has paid special tribute to the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his exceptional leadership and unwavering support throughout the operation. General Muhoozi promptly deployed Lieutenant Colonel Frank Murema, Deputy Director of Operations in the Special Forces Command, to South Africa to provide critical on-the-ground assistance to the High Commission and ensure seamless coordination with South African security agencies.
The successful exercise was authorised by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whose timely and decisive intervention underscored the Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Ugandan citizens abroad.
The Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Robinah Nabbanja, and the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, activated a comprehensive whole-of-government response involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister, security agencies, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, and the High Commission in Pretoria.
The operation follows the High Commission’s precautionary circular of 1 June 2026, which called upon Ugandan nationals in South Africa to remain vigilant amid rising anti-migrant protests.
The situation regrettably deteriorated, culminating in the tragic loss of a Ugandan national in KwaZulu-Natal Province on 27 June 2026, together with reported incidents in the Western Cape and other provinces.
Intelligence assessments had indicated planned vigilante-related protests and possible attacks targeting foreign nationals, particularly fellow Africans.
In light of these developments, the Government of Uganda took the proactive and precautionary decision to facilitate the voluntary return of those who wished to leave.
The High Commissioner emphasised that the evacuation was entirely voluntary and was not ordered by either the Government of Uganda or the Government of South Africa.
It was a sovereign facilitative measure exercised solely in the interest of citizen protection, based on available threat assessments.
The process has proceeded in close partnership with South African authorities, including verification by the Department of Home Affairs at handling centres established in coordination with Ugandan community leaders, ensuring an orderly, legal, and dignified operation.
Amoru was quick to dismiss any suggestion that the exercise reflected strained relations between the two countries.
“Uganda and South Africa continue to enjoy warm, cordial, and longstanding bilateral relations,” he stated.
“Throughout this exercise, we have received tremendous cooperation and support from the Government of South Africa, and we remain deeply grateful for that partnership.”
The two nations continue to collaborate closely on trade, investment, and regional matters under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
The High Commission continues to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with South African counterparts and Ugandan community leaders.
Nationals who remain in South Africa are urged to remain law-abiding and vigilant, to avoid hotspots and crowded areas, and to regularise their immigration status in full compliance with South African laws to ensure legal protection and access to services.
Those in need of assistance or wishing to return voluntarily are advised to register promptly through their local community leaders.
The High Commission remains available to provide further guidance and consular support as necessary.
This precautionary operation has demonstrated the Government of Uganda’s steadfast commitment to the safety and dignity of its citizens abroad while reinforcing the strong fraternal bonds and excellent cooperation that exist between Uganda and South Africa.
The High Commission expresses its profound gratitude to all partners whose dedication ensured the success of this exercise.
