Government has intensified efforts to repatriate Ugandans stranded in South Africa following a wave of anti-immigrant protests that have claimed the lives of several African nationals, including three Ugandans, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs), Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, has said.
Presenting a statement to the House on the status of the evacuation process, on Wednesday 08 July 2026, Kyeyune said a total of 880 Ugandans have been repatriated as of Tuesday, 07 July 2026, with an additional 250 evacuees expected at Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday evening.
“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,” Kyeyune said.
The minister urged Ugandans living in South Africa to maintain vigilance, avoid areas of unrest and maintain regular contact with Uganda’s High Commission there.
The Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Joan Alobo, asked the Minister to give assurances to Ugandans intending to travel to South Africa.
“Until there is credible evidence, we need to know whether it is safe for our people to travel there. Many Ugandans who had already scheduled flights to South Africa are concerned about their safety if they go there,” Alobo said.
She also called on government to consider compensation of repatriated Ugandans for the losses they have incurred, noting that many of them owned businesses in the country.
“If we remember very well when there was an issue in South Sudan, Ugandans who lost their properties were compensated by the government. You [Minister] need to shed light on the compensation for Ugandans who left their businesses behind [South Africa],” Alobo added.
She also observed that the evacuees are residing at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi (NALI), and tasked the Minister to explain why they have been transferred there.
Kyeyune explained that the first group of evacuees, on arrival at Entebbe Airport, sought to have an audience with the President on the plight of their situation, to which he accepted.
“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,” said the Minister.
He noted the need to intensify wealth creation programmes like the Parish Development Model aimed at expanding opportunities for citizens, to enable them pursue dignified and sustainable livelihoods back home.
Kyeyune also encouraged Ugandans who had already planned travels to South Africa, to continue with them, noting that the ongoing attacks affect illegal immigrants in the country.
Hon. John Musila (NRM, Bubulo East County), however, noted that several legally documented Ugandans and Africans have suffered the fate occasioned by the on-going anti-immigrant protests.
“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,” said Musila.