Ugandan migrant departs South Africa after 20 years amid 2026 xenophobia

Hundreds of African migrants were forced to abandon their homes in South Africa after a surge of anti‑immigrant sentiment erupted in 2026. The unrest, fueled by political rhetoric and social media campaigns, prompted authorities to tighten border controls and accelerate deportations. Among those leaving is a Ugandan woman who had lived in the country for twenty years, telling DW that she now faces a precarious future in her homeland.

The woman described the emotional toll of leaving a life built over two decades—her job, her community ties, and her sense of belonging. She said she is relying on support from family in Uganda and local NGOs that provide legal aid and housing assistance to returnees. Analysts note that the exodus could strain already limited resources in Uganda, where the government has struggled to absorb new migrants and provide adequate services.

While the South African government has pledged to address xenophobia through public campaigns, the immediate impact of the 2026 wave underscores the need for sustained policy and humanitarian support for displaced migrants. The situation remains fluid as authorities and international partners work to mitigate the fallout and assist those who have been uprooted from their long‑established lives.