Uganda says three citizens killed in South Africa unrest

Uganda has evacuated 273 citizens from South Africa following anti-migrant protests, and confirmed that three Ugandans were killed during the unrest.

The evacuees arrived at Entebbe International Airport over the weekend. Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kasolo said the government was saddened by the deaths and was arranging to repatriate the remains of the victims.

“Mr Wilbert Nuwamanya lost his life following an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province,” Kasolo said. “The second individual, who is yet to be identified, lost his life in Cape Town, while there is also a third victim.”

The evacuation was launched following a directive from President Yoweri Museveni. Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru, said many of the returnees had lost their properties during the attacks.

The protests, which targeted foreign nationals and their businesses, have prompted several African governments to repatriate their citizens. South African authorities said more than 900 people have been arrested since the unrest began.

The anti-migrant protests spread across several provinces after activist groups called for the removal of undocumented migrants. While many demonstrations remained peaceful, others descended into looting, assaults and attacks on businesses owned by foreign nationals.

SOURCE: AA