First Batch of Ugandan Nationals Evacuated from South Africa arrive

The first flight of Ugandan nationals evacuated from South Africa will arrive at Entebbe International Airport today, 2nd July 2026, at 9:30pm, with 260 evacuees on board.

The evacuation is being undertaken pursuant to the directive of His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, to safeguard the safety and welfare of Ugandans in light of recent anti-migrant violence and xenophobic incidents in South Africa.

The exercise is being jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, and the leadership of the Ugandan community in South Africa. Uganda Airlines is operating special charter flights wholly funded by the Government of Uganda.

Uganda High Commission in Pretoria is providing critical on-the-ground coordination, including registration, establishment of safe assembly centres, and, where necessary, issuance of emergency travel documents, to enable the smooth execution of the evacuation exercise.

According to Amb. Paul Amoru, High Commissioner of Uganda to South Africa, further repatriation flights are being arranged. The second flight is scheduled to depart on Friday at 03:00 hours and arrive at 08:15 hours with 35 evacuees. The third flight is scheduled to depart at 13:00 hours and arrive at 19:00 hours with 114 Ugandan nationals.

The Ministry remains in active engagement with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Ugandans who remain.