A Ugandan national has been confirmed dead following a suspected xenophobic attack in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province.
The deceased, identified as Wilberforce Niwamanya, also known as Joseph Ainebyona, was reportedly beaten to death on Saturday.
Confirming the incident, Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru, said Niwamanya was working as a delivery rider for a company in South Africa at the time of the attack.
According to the ambassador, the assailants severely beat him before making away with the motorcycle he used for his delivery work.
“I received with sadness the news of the death of Wilberforce Niwamanya, whose other name is Joseph Ainebyona. The report I received indicates that he was beaten and later succumbed to his injuries in KwaZulu-Natal Province. His motorcycle, which he was using for delivery services, was also stolen,” Ambassador Amoru said.
He added that the killing is believed to be linked to the ongoing attacks targeting foreign nationals who have refused to leave South Africa.
“This has been part of the actions against foreigners who declined to leave. We have already brought the matter to the attention of the Government of South Africa,” Amoru added.
The ambassador said the Ugandan government has formally requested the South African authorities to secure and preserve the deceased’s body, apprehend those responsible for the killing, and provide a comprehensive police report on the investigation.
“We have requested the Government of South Africa, first, to secure and preserve the body; second, to bring to justice those responsible for this heinous crime; and third, for the police to file and share with us a full report on how this case is being handled,” he said.
The attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa began about a month ago, forcing many migrants from different African countries to flee for their safety.
A vigilante group behind the campaign reportedly issued an ultimatum ordering all non-South Africans to leave the country by June 30, 2026.
In response to the escalating situation, the Government of Uganda is working with 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 South Africa, and leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa to coordinate the safe evacuation of Ugandan nationals who wish to return home.
