By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
The Acting Minister of Foreigner Affairs, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, on Wednesday July 1, 2026, met Kagiso Mosoane, the in-charge of Affairs at the South African High Commission in Uganda, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed the worsening security situation facing Ugandans and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
The crisis meeting comes as violence, intimidation, and threats against migrants continue to spread across parts of South Africa, forcing many foreign nationals, including Ugandans, to flee their homes and businesses in search of safety.
In the meeting, Hon. Kasolo expressed grave concern over attacks on undocumented foreigners including Ugandans, noting that the reported death of two Ugandan nationals in recent days underscored the urgent need for South African authorities to take decisive action.
He argues that it is the responsibility of the South African government to guarantee the safety and security of all people within its borders, regardless of nationality.
“The South African authorities must act decisively to protect lives and prevent further loss of Ugandan nationals,” the minister said.
Kasolo appealed to the South African government to ensure that Ugandans affected by the violence are provided with adequate security and allowed safe passage to designated assembly centres where they can be documented before possible evacuation.
Minister Kasolo was dismayed with reports that the groups involved in the crackdown claim to be targeting undocumented migrants but have instead intimidated and threatened Ugandans who are legally living and working in South Africa.
Kasolo reminded the perpetrators that determining a person’s immigration status is entirely the responsibility of authorized law enforcement agencies and not vigilante groups or self-appointed civilian movements.
He further cautioned that allowing non-state actors to conduct immigration enforcement risks exposing innocent foreign nationals to violence, abuse, and unlawful discrimination.
In his response, Mosoane assured the government that South African authorities have deployed security personnel across the country to facilitate the safe movement of foreign nationals seeking to leave affected areas. He added that measures were being implemented to ensure those fleeing violence could travel safely without further attacks.
Besides security concerns, the two officials also discussed the plight of Ugandan nationals currently detained in South Africa on allegations of visa overstays and other immigration-related offences.
Both parties agreed on the need for sustained bilateral engagement and structured consultations to address issues surrounding the legal status of Ugandan nationals, procedural safeguards in immigration enforcement, and the possible release of those being held.
Meanwhile, South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with foreign nationals often blamed for unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services. Businesses owned by migrants have frequently been looted or destroyed during such unrest, prompting condemnation from African governments and regional bodies.
Recently, the Ugandan government challenged its citizens living in South Africa to remain vigilant, maintain contact with Ugandan diplomatic missions, and follow guidance issued by local authorities whenever security situations deteriorate.
