Three Ugandans Killed as South Africa’s Anti-Migrant Violence Escalates

The Ugandan government says three of its citizens have been killed during anti-migrant violence in South Africa, as hundreds of people were flown home in a state-funded evacuation.

Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kasolo announced the deaths on Thursday night as the first group of 273 evacuees arrived at Entebbe International Airport aboard a Uganda Airlines charter flight.

“On a sad note, government regrets to report that three Ugandans lost their lives. Mr Wilbert Nuwamanya lost his life following an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province. The second individual, who is yet to be identified, lost his life in Cape Town, while there is also a third victim. Government is making arrangements to repatriate their bodies,” Kasolo said.

Many of the returnees said they escaped with only the clothes they were wearing after violence targeted foreign nationals and their businesses in several parts of South Africa. They cheered as the aircraft landed, ending days of uncertainty.

The evacuation was ordered by President Yoweri Museveni and is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, security agencies, the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda’s High Commission in Pretoria and leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa.

According to the government, all charter flights are being fully funded by the state.

Kasolo described the operation as a demonstration of Uganda’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.

“The exercise is a testament to the seamless cooperation with our people in the diaspora,” he said.

He added that the government hopes to arrange a meeting between the evacuees and President Museveni.

“To our returnees, we understand this is a difficult moment. We hope to secure an audience with the Head of State, President Yoweri Museveni, and we understand he is ready to meet you.”

Kasolo also pledged government support to help those returning rebuild their lives.

“You are Ugandans, and we are ready to integrate you into Uganda’s economic development,” he said.

The President of the Confederation of Ugandans in Southern Africa (COUSA), Moses Kibombo, praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Chief of Defence Forces for supporting the evacuation.

“The CDF assigned personnel from his office to support the rescue of Ugandans, and I am happy to announce that they made this mission possible,” Kibombo said.

He said the mission follows similar evacuations carried out by Uganda during conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan in 2023.

Uganda’s ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru, said many of those returning had lost their homes, businesses and possessions.

“Many Ugandans have returned with nothing. Their properties were destroyed, while others were not allowed to carry any of their belongings,” he said.

One evacuee, Namugenyi Aisha, appealed for government assistance.

“All our properties were seized by South Africans, and we were left with nothing,” she said.

She urged authorities to introduce programmes that would help returnees rebuild their livelihoods.

The evacuations come as South Africa faces one of its largest waves of anti-migrant unrest in recent years.

Authorities there say more than 900 people have been arrested after demonstrations calling for the removal of undocumented migrants spread across several provinces. While some protests remained peaceful, others turned violent, with looting, assaults and attacks on businesses owned by foreign nationals. Police have also confirmed several deaths linked to the unrest.

The violence has revived concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks that have affected South Africa for nearly two decades. Migrants from across Africa are often accused of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services, although studies indicate they account for only about 4% of the country’s population.

Uganda is among several African countries repatriating its citizens.

Nigeria says it plans to seek compensation from South Africa for businesses, vehicles and other property abandoned by Nigerians fleeing the violence. Officials say they are documenting losses before presenting claims to the South African government.

Ghana has also evacuated hundreds of its citizens after one of its nationals was killed during the unrest. The death has triggered a diplomatic dispute, with Ghana demanding a full investigation and justice for the victim, while South African authorities say preliminary police findings suggest the killing was linked to criminal activity rather than the anti-migrant protests.

Ugandan officials say additional evacuation flights are expected to arrive at Entebbe on Friday as efforts continue to bring home more citizens seeking to escape the worsening security situation in South Africa.