Omanghana
Uganda has launched a government-funded emergency evacuation of its citizens from South Africa, with the first group of 273 Ugandans arriving safely at Entebbe International Airport in the early hours of Friday, July 3, 2026, following a surge in anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic violence.
The emergency repatriation operation was ordered by President Yoweri Museveni, who directed that the voluntary evacuation be carried out at no cost to Ugandan citizens seeking to return home.
First Charter Flight Brings Home 273 Ugandans
The inaugural evacuation flight, operated by Uganda Airlines, transported 255 adults and 18 infants from South Africa to Uganda.
The returnees were accompanied by Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Paul Amoru, and were received at Entebbe International Airport by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo and other government officials.
Authorities said the operation was organized to provide immediate assistance to Ugandans affected by the worsening security situation in South Africa.
More Evacuation Flights Underway
The evacuation effort expanded rapidly throughout the day.
By Friday afternoon, the total number of Ugandans safely repatriated had increased to 424, following the arrival of two additional groups comprising 116 and 35 people on separate flights.
Government officials have also confirmed that another charter flight is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, to bring home an additional 265 Ugandan nationals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that evacuation flights will continue until every Ugandan who wishes to leave South Africa has been safely returned.
Lives Lost During the Violence
The first evacuation flights also returned the body of Wilber Niwamanya, a Ugandan motorcyclist who was killed during targeted attacks in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
Ugandan authorities confirmed that at least three citizens have lost their lives since the outbreak of xenophobic violence.
Government officials extended their condolences to the affected families and pledged continued support for citizens impacted by the unrest.
Xenophobic Protests Trigger Mass Exodus
The emergency evacuation follows an escalation of anti-immigrant demonstrations and vigilante-led actions targeting foreign nationals across parts of South Africa.
The unrest intensified after activist groups demanded the removal of undocumented migrants by June 30, 2026, claiming foreign nationals were taking employment opportunities and contributing to rising housing costs.
The deteriorating security situation and attacks on migrant communities prompted several African governments, including Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria, to initiate emergency repatriation programs for their citizens.
Hundreds More Await Repatriation
Ugandan officials say more than 800 citizens have already registered for the government’s evacuation program, with the total number of requests expected to reach approximately 1,200.
Many evacuees required emergency travel certificates because their passports had expired or they no longer possessed valid travel documents.
Meanwhile, South African authorities estimate that more than 25,000 foreign nationals have voluntarily left the country since the latest wave of xenophobic protests intensified.
As evacuation efforts continue, Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safe return of all citizens seeking to leave South Africa while closely monitoring developments in the region.
Source: Omanghana
