The Government has confirmed that three Ugandan nationals have died during recent unrest in South Africa, while evacuation efforts for affected citizens continue.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune expressed sorrow over the incident, confirming the fatalities and providing initial details about the victims.
“On a sad note, the government regrets to report that three Ugandans lost their lives. This is very unfortunate,” Kasolo said.
He identified one of the deceased as Gilbert Niwamanya, who was killed in an attack in KwaZulu-Natal, while another victim remains unidentified and the circumstances surrounding the third death are still being clarified.
Kasolo assured the nation that government is working to manage the situation and support affected families as arrangements for repatriation of the bodies continue.
“Our government will do whatever it takes to repatriate the bodies and support the aggrieved families,” he added.
Meanwhile, evacuation efforts are ongoing, with more than 300 Ugandans already returned home and over 200 expected to arrive today aboard Uganda Airlines at Entebbe International Airport.
The unrest in South Africa, which reportedly began as isolated incidents, has escalated into widespread violence targeting foreign nationals. Reports indicate that some groups have been attacking and forcibly displacing non-citizens, accusing them of taking up local job opportunities.
The violence has resulted in deaths and displacement of several African nationals, raising concern over the safety of foreign communities and calls for stronger protection measures.
