Renewed anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa in 2026 have forced hundreds of African migrants to leave the country. Among them is Winniefred Kabiri, a Ugandan entrepreneur who spent 20 years legally living in South Africa.

When Kabiri boarded a flight from Johannesburg to Kampala, she left behind more than a country. She had earned two university degrees, raised her children, and established several businesses. "Initially everything was very successful. I created a life for myself and educated my children," she told DW.

But as anti-foreigner campaigns intensified this year, she no longer felt safe. "There was always a threat," she said. "But this year they gave ultimatums."

Kabiri is among over 1,100 Ugandans evacuated from South Africa by their government following months of escalating xenophobic tensions. Uganda completed the first phase of repatriation in July, bringing home 1,102 nationals via six evacuation flights from Johannesburg.

South Africa has experienced recurring xenophobic violence since the late 1990s, with migrants often blamed for unemployment, crime, and poor public services. Analysts say persistent inequality and economic frustration continue to fuel anti-immigrant sentiment.

For returnees like Kabiri, departure meant abandoning years of investment. She left businesses in commodities trading, mining, real estate, and perfume manufacturing. "Obviously, when you are told to leave and you're unprepared, you leave things behind," she said.

Another returnee, Mathias Baguma, lost a guesthouse, restaurant, and retail business in Johannesburg. "My business was vandalized. The shop was robbed, the restaurant broken into," he told DW. "I had to run for my life."

Back in Uganda, returnees are being received at Entebbe airport and offered reintegration programs including counseling, health assessments, and information on government support. Authorities introduced programs in agriculture, tourism, technology, and small-business development.

Kabiri praised the initial response but acknowledged the difficulty of rebuilding after 20 years abroad. "I have to rebuild myself. I need to rebuild a new home and a business," she said. She concluded, "East or West, home is best."

Source: www.dw.com