Uganda says three of its nationals were killed during the recent anti-migrant protests in South Africa, as the first group of 273 evacuees arrived home at the weekend.
Uganda's acting minister of foreign affairs, Haruna Kasolo, while speaking after receiving the returnees at Entebbe International Airport, said the government was saddened by the loss of its citizens and was arranging for the repatriation of their remains.
“On a sad note, the government regrets to report that three Ugandans lost their lives. Mr Wilbert Nuwamanya lost his life following an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
“The second individual, who is yet to be identified, lost his life in Cape Town, while there is also a third victim. Government is making arrangements to repatriate their bodies,” Kasolo said.
Fleeing with nothing
The returnees, many of whom said they fled with only the clothes they were wearing, cheered as their aircraft landed at Entebbe, bringing an end to days of uncertainty after protests targeted foreign nationals and their businesses in several parts of South Africa.
The evacuation was launched following a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, who ordered government agencies to rescue Ugandans caught up in the unrest.
Uganda's Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru, said many of those returning had lost everything during the attacks.
“Many Ugandans have returned with nothing. Their properties were destroyed, while others were not allowed to carry any of their belongings,” Amoru said.
Largest region evacuations
South Africa’s anti-migrant protests have sparked one of the largest regional evacuation efforts in recent years, with several African governments organising repatriation flights for citizens fleeing the unrest.
South African authorities say more than 900 people have been arrested since anti-migrant protests spread across several provinces following nationwide demonstrations organised by activist groups calling for the removal of undocumented migrants.
Although many of the demonstrations remained peaceful, others descended into looting, assaults and attacks on businesses owned by foreign nationals.
