The government has announced plans to repatriate hundreds of Ugandans stranded in South Africa following months of rising xenophobic attacks and growing tension targeting foreign nationals.
Speaking to journalists , the acting minister for Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, said President Museveni had directed the Office of the Prime Minister to work with the ministries of Works and Transport, Foreign Affairs, and Internal Affairs to begin the repatriation exercise immediately.
Kasolo said 746 Ugandans have so far registered with the Ugandan authorities, expressing their desire to return home because they no longer feel safe in South Africa.
“These are all Ugandans who have so far registered themselves, saying they can no longer remain in South Africa,” Kasolo said.
He said the government was putting in place the necessary arrangements to bring them back safely.
Kasolo also revealed that two Ugandans have already lost their lives in the xenophobic violence. He did not provide details about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
He said the South African government was working through its security agencies to restore law and order and protect those affected by the violence.
Kasolo further said there was pressure on foreign nationals to leave South Africa, adding that many had already returned to their home countries with support from their respective governments.
He appealed to Ugandans still living in South Africa to remain in contact with the Ugandan High Commission and register if they wished to be assisted to return home.
The repatriation exercise is expected to begin once the relevant government agencies complete the necessary logistical arrangements.
