KAMPALA, Uganda — At least three Ugandans have been killed in South Africa as anti-migrant violence continues to spread across several provinces, Ugandan authorities have confirmed.
The deaths were announced by Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kasolo as the first group of 273 Ugandan evacuees arrived at Entebbe International Airport aboard a special Uganda Airlines charter flight late Thursday.
Kasolo said the government was saddened by the deaths and had begun arrangements to repatriate the victims’ remains.
“On a sad note, government regrets to report that three Ugandans lost their lives,” Kasolo said.
According to the minister, Wilbert Nuwamanya was killed during an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province, while a second victim died in Cape Town.
Authorities said the identity of the second victim had not yet been established. A third Ugandan was also confirmed dead.
Government officials said efforts were underway to return the bodies to Uganda.
First evacuation flight arrives in Entebbe
The announcement came as 273 Ugandans arrived home under a government-funded evacuation programme launched in response to the deteriorating security situation in South Africa.
Many returnees said they left behind homes, businesses and personal belongings as violence spread through communities where foreign nationals lived and worked.
The operation follows a directive from President Yoweri Museveni instructing government agencies to assist Ugandans affected by the unrest.
Kasolo said the evacuation demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting Ugandan citizens abroad.
“The exercise is a testament to the seamless cooperation with our people in the diaspora,” he said.
He added that authorities were exploring arrangements for the returnees to meet President Museveni and pledged government support for their reintegration.
“You are Ugandans, and we are ready to integrate you into Uganda’s economic development,” Kasolo said.
Returnees describe losses
Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru, said many evacuees had lost businesses, homes and property during the attacks.
“Many Ugandans have returned with nothing. Their properties were destroyed, while others were not allowed to carry any of their belongings,” he said.
One returnee, Namugenyi Aisha, appealed for assistance to help families rebuild their lives.
“All our properties were seized by South Africans, and we were left with nothing,” she said.
Regional evacuations intensify
The violence has triggered one of the largest repatriation efforts in southern Africa in recent years.
Authorities in South Africa say more than 900 people have been arrested during demonstrations organised by anti-migrant groups demanding the removal of undocumented foreigners.
While many protests remained peaceful, others descended into looting, assaults and attacks on businesses owned by foreign nationals.
Also Read: Malema condemns xenophobic attacks in South Africa, rejects blame on migrants
Several African countries have launched evacuation programmes in response.
Nigeria has announced plans to seek compensation for property abandoned by citizens fleeing the unrest, while Ghana has evacuated hundreds of nationals after one of its citizens was killed.
Concerns over renewed xenophobic violence
The latest unrest has revived concerns over recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically been targeted during periods of economic and social tension.
Migrants are frequently blamed for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services, although studies show foreign nationals account for only a small percentage of South Africa’s population.
Ugandan authorities said additional evacuation flights were expected to arrive in Entebbe as efforts continue to bring home citizens seeking to leave South Africa.
