Uganda has claimed that at least three of its nationals have been killed in South Africa amid the spread of xenophobic protests across several places of the country.
Speaking after receiving the first group of 273 evacuees from South Africa on Friday, Uganda’s acting foreign affairs minister Haruna Kasolo confirmed the deaths.
“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.
The returnees, many of whom said they fled with only the clothes they were wearing, broke into cheers as the aircraft landed at Entebbe, ending days of uncertainty after violent protests targeted foreign nationals and their businesses in parts of South Africa.
The evacuation follows a directive from President Yoweri Museveni ordering government agencies to rescue Ugandans affected by the violence.
“Many Ugandans have returned with nothing. Their properties were destroyed, while others were not allowed to carry any of their belongings,” Amoru said.
One of the returnees, Namugenyi Aisha, appealed for government assistance to help those returning rebuild their lives.
“All our properties were seized by South Africans, and we were left with nothing,” she said.
The violence in South Africa has triggered one of the largest regional repatriation efforts in recent years.
Authorities say more than 900 people have been arrested during anti-migrant protests that swept several provinces after activist groups organised nationwide demonstrations demanding the removal of undocumented migrants.
While many marches remained peaceful, others descended into looting, assaults and attacks on businesses owned by foreign nationals. Police have also confirmed several deaths linked to the unrest.
The unrest has renewed concerns over recurring waves of xenophobic violence that have periodically erupted in South Africa for nearly two decades, with migrants from across Africa frequently blamed for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services despite studies showing they make up only about four percent of the country’s population.
MG/as/APA