Uganda completes first phase of evacuations from South Africa as xenophobic violence escalates

Uganda has completed the first phase of its voluntary evacuation of citizens from South Africa, bringing home 1,102 nationals fleeing a surge in xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests. The sixth and final evacuation flight carrying 219 Ugandans landed safely at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday, concluding the government-backed repatriation operation. The chartered flight departed O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg before arriving in Kampala. In a statement, the Ugandan Embassy in South Africa said the final arrival marked the successful completion of the first phase of the evacuation exercise. “The arrival marks the successful conclusion of phase one of the Government of Uganda’s voluntary repatriation exercise,” the embassy said. It added that 1,102 Ugandan nationals had returned home aboard six coordinated evacuation flights organised jointly by the Ugandan and South African authorities. Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the operation was conducted in partnership with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and supported by Uganda Airlines following a directive from President Yoweri Museveni to facilitate the safe return of citizens affected by the unrest. Authorities said the returnees will undergo orientation and skills training at the Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute to support their reintegration. The evacuation comes amid a widening exodus of African migrants from South Africa following weeks of anti-immigrant demonstrations and xenophobic attacks. Several governments, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, have also repatriated hundreds of their nationals as public anger over unemployment and crime has increasingly been directed at foreign African communities. The growing violence is beginning to carry diplomatic consequences. Ghana recently postponed a planned high-level visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing concerns over attacks on Ghanaian nationals, underscoring how xenophobia is increasingly reshaping relations between African states. South African authorities have condemned the violence and insist law enforcement agencies are responding to criminal incidents. However, pressure continues to mount on Pretoria as more African governments move to evacuate their citizens and demand stronger protection for migrants living in the country.