The government has accelerated its emergency repatriation operations to rescue Ugandan nationals caught up in a violent wave of anti-immigrant protests across South Africa.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs), Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, presented an official status update to Parliament on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, confirming that the xenophobic violence has already claimed the lives of three Ugandans.
Hon. Kasolo revealed that a total of 880 Ugandans had been safely repatriated as of Tuesday, July 7, 2026. An additional 250 evacuees were expected to touch down at Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday evening.
The minister noted that the government is actively using diplomatic channels to pressure authorities in Pretoria to restore security.
“We continue to engage our South African counterparts through established diplomatic channels, to ensure the safety and welfare of our citizens. We appreciate assurances given by authorities in Pretoria regarding the protection of all legally documented persons within their jurisdiction, as well as their commitment to investigate incidents of violence,” Hon. Kasolo stated.
The minister urged Ugandan expatriates remaining in South Africa to maintain high vigilance, stay away from active conflict hotspots, and maintain regular communication with the Ugandan High Commission.
The Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Joan Alobo, challenged the government to provide clear travel advisories for citizens intending to fly to South Africa.
“Until there is credible evidence, we need to know whether it is safe for our people to travel there," Hon. Alobo noted. "Many Ugandans who had already scheduled flights to South Africa are concerned about their safety if they go there,” she added.
Hon. Alobo also demanded that the state establish a financial compensation package for the returnees who suffered massive property losses, drawing parallels to previous government bailouts for traders displaced by conflict in South Sudan.
Addressing concerns regarding why the evacuees are being temporarily housed at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, Hon. Kasolo explained that the arrangement was mutually agreed upon. He noted that the first group of returnees requested a direct audience with the President to discuss their plight.
“We have been bringing these people in bits, so we agreed with them that we need to have a one holding ground until everyone has returned home. We have been rehabilitating them because they were traumatized, and they have appreciated this therapy,” Hon. Kasolo explained.
The minister stressed that the state will leverage wealth creation frameworks like the Parish Development Model (PDM) to help the survivors build dignified and sustainable livelihoods back home.
While Hon. Kasolo suggested that the ongoing attacks primarily target undocumented immigrants, some lawmakers strongly disputed this claim.
Hon. John Musila (NRM, Bubulo East County) revealed that several highly successful, legally documented Ugandan investors and professionals have also been targeted and forced to flee.
“In Pretoria, we have a young man from Entebbe who has a school with over 10,000 students and employing 950 South Africans. Among those who have returned forcibly are Ugandan investors who are not illegals there. I want the minister to investigate this,” Hon. Musila demanded.
