Kampala, Uganda: Uganda has commenced the voluntary evacuation of its nationals affected by the ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa, with 746 Ugandans already registered for repatriation, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Abbey Kigozi Walusimbi, has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ambassador Walusimbi said the exercise is being undertaken on the directive of President Yoweri Museveni following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks and criminal violence that claimed the life of Ugandan national Wilberforce Niwamanya, also known as Joseph, in KwaZulu-Natal.
“In response to the directive of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Government of Uganda is facilitating the voluntary repatriation of our nationals from the Republic of South Africa,” Walusimbi said.
“This urgent measure comes in the wake of senseless xenophobic violence and criminal attacks that have claimed the lives of many fellow Africans, including our own beloved son, the late Wilberforce Niwamanya, also known as Joseph, who was brutally murdered in cold blood in KwaZulu-Natal,” he added.
Walusimbi condemned the attacks, saying they contradict the spirit of African unity and solidarity that characterised the continent’s liberation struggles.
“This is not only outrageous but a profound betrayal of the very principles of African brotherhood. Many African nations, including Uganda, stood shoulder to shoulder with the ANC during the dark days of Apartheid, shedding blood and resources in the name of liberation. We are one people. We must feel each other’s pain.”
He urged Africans to reject narratives that blame fellow Africans for economic hardships. “Blaming and attacking fellow Africans for your economic hardships is a false and dangerous narrative that must be rejected by all who value justice and humanity.”
746 Ugandans Registered
Walusimbi revealed that 746 Ugandans have already registered with the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, although many others remain in hiding while some have made private travel arrangements.
He appealed to all Ugandans still in South Africa to register immediately to facilitate consular assistance and evacuation. “We urge every Ugandan still in South Africa to register immediately with the High Commission for consular support and real-time updates on the evacuation process.”
According to Walusimbi, the evacuation exercise is being coordinated by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Uganda High Commission in South Africa under the leadership of Ambassador Paul Amoru.
“The mission is clear: to register, protect, and safely evacuate every Ugandan in distress who wishes to return home,” he said, emphasizing that Uganda and South Africa are also engaging through diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions and restore harmony.
“At the Government-to-Government level, intensive efforts are underway to calm tensions and restore harmony.”
Walusimbi reiterated that Uganda remains ready to share lessons from its own history of national reconciliation and transformation under the leadership of President Museveni.
Message to Ugandans
The presidential advisor urged Ugandans in South Africa to remain calm and vigilant as government implements the evacuation programme.
“Do not panic. Stay calm, think clearly, and act decisively. Register today. Protect your lives. The situation will normalise, and those who have built strong ties in South Africa will, God willing, be able to return when peace is restored.”
He also extended condolences to the family of Wilberforce Niwamanya and assured Ugandans who choose to remain in South Africa that the government continues to engage South African authorities to guarantee their safety and dignity.
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