KAMPALA — The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, has held urgent consultations with the Charge d’Affaires of the Republic of South Africa to Uganda, Mr. Kagiso Mosoane, over the escalating violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala and focused on what Uganda described as growing attacks, threats and intimidation against migrants, including Ugandans living and working in South Africa.
According to the Ministry, the discussions centred on recent incidents of anti-migrant violence that have reportedly forced several foreign nationals to flee their homes, with concerns raised over the safety of Ugandan citizens affected.
Hon. Kasolo expressed Government’s “deep concern” over the situation, including reports of the deaths of two Ugandan nationals in recent days.
“He stressed that South African authorities must act decisively to protect lives and prevent further loss of Ugandan nationals,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Minister also urged South African authorities to ensure the safe movement of Ugandans to designated assembly points where evacuation and documentation processes can be facilitated.
He further noted concerns that, while some vigilante groups claim to be targeting undocumented migrants, there were credible reports that even legally resident Ugandans had been subjected to intimidation and threats.
“The Minister emphasized that non-state actors are not competent to verify immigration status, a role that lies solely with official law enforcement agencies,” the statement added.
In response, Mr. Mosoane assured the Ugandan Government that South African authorities had deployed security forces across affected areas to guarantee safe passage for foreign nationals seeking to leave the country.
Both sides also reaffirmed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement on issues affecting Ugandans in South Africa, including discussions on the legal status of detainees facing immigration-related charges such as visa overstays.
The two governments agreed to maintain structured consultations aimed at addressing the evolving situation and ensuring the safety and welfare of Ugandan citizens abroad.