Uganda Evacuates 273 Citizens From South Africa Amid Xenophobic Violence

Uganda has begun the evacuation of its citizens from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests, with 273 nationals arriving home safely on Friday.

The evacuees landed at Entebbe International Airport aboard a chartered flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, becoming the first group of Ugandans repatriated under the government's emergency evacuation programme.

Uganda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the operation followed a directive by President Yoweri Museveni, who ordered the safe return of Ugandan citizens affected by the violence.

According to the ministry, the evacuation was launched in response to escalating anti-migrant attacks and growing security concerns facing foreign nationals living in South Africa.

In a statement issued through the Uganda Media Centre, the country's Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru, said the repatriation exercise would continue over the coming days.

He disclosed that a second evacuation flight carrying 35 Ugandan nationals was scheduled to depart Johannesburg on Friday morning, while a third flight transporting another 114 evacuees was expected to leave later the same day.

The latest evacuation comes as several African countries intensify efforts to bring home citizens affected by the wave of xenophobic attacks that have swept parts of South Africa.

Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique have also commenced voluntary evacuation programmes for their nationals, while governments across the continent continue to monitor the evolving security situation.

The recent anti-migrant protests have heightened fears among foreign nationals, prompting thousands to seek assistance from their respective governments amid concerns over their safety and livelihoods.