Uganda Rescues Citizens Amidst South Africa's Anti-Migrant Violence

The Ugandan government has initiated a large-scale evacuation of its citizens stranded in South Africa amidst escalating anti-migrant violence. The operation comes after at least three Ugandans were confirmed dead due to the unrest, which has seen widespread looting and attacks on foreign nationals and their businesses.

Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kasolo announced the deaths, identifying one victim as Wilbert Nuwamanya, who was killed in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Another victim died in Cape Town, while a third identity is still being confirmed. The government is making arrangements to repatriate the remains of those killed.

The first batch of 273 evacuees arrived at Entebbe International Airport on a special Uganda Airlines charter flight. Many returnees reported fleeing their homes with only the clothes on their backs, having lost businesses, properties, and belongings.

President Yoweri Museveni directed government agencies to coordinate the rescue mission, involving multiple ministries and security agencies, as well as the Ugandan High Commission in Pretoria. The state is fully funding the evacuation flights.

Minister Kasolo affirmed the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and plans to arrange a meeting between the returnees and President Museveni. He also pledged support for the evacuees’ reintegration into Uganda’s economic development.

This repatriation effort follows similar evacuations from Sudan and South Sudan in 2023. Other nations, including Nigeria and Ghana, are also repatriating their citizens from South Africa amid the growing xenophobic tensions. Authorities in South Africa have made over 900 arrests in connection with the protests, which have renewed concerns about recurring xenophobic violence. Additional flights are expected to bring more Ugandans home.

Source: Nile Post