KAMPALA — Uganda repatriated citizens who had fled South Africa amid a wave of xenophobic attacks, highlighting renewed concerns over violence against foreign nationals and the safety of African migrants living and working outside their home countries. Ugandan nationals were received in Kampala after leaving South Africa, where reports of attacks had prompted some migrants to seek assistance and return home. The repatriation brought renewed attention to a longstanding problem that has periodically strained South Africa's relationships with other African countries. Xenophobic violence in South Africa has frequently targeted migrants from other African nations, with attacks sometimes involving assaults, destruction of businesses and threats that force foreign nationals to leave affected communities. The latest developments were particularly significant because migration within Africa is common. People move across borders for employment, education, trade and other economic opportunities, and South Africa has attracted migrants from several countries because of the size of its economy and its comparatively developed commercial infrastructure. Uganda's decision to assist affected citizens reflected the responsibility governments face when nationals become vulnerable abroad. Repatriation can provide an immediate escape for people who no longer feel safe, although it does not address the underlying causes of xenophobic violence. South African authorities have repeatedly condemned attacks on foreign nationals and have said that crimes should be dealt with through the country's justice system rather than through collective punishment based on nationality. However, migrant communities and rights groups have continued to call for stronger preventive measures and faster action against perpetrators. Xenophobia in South Africa is often linked to economic frustration, particularly high unemployment and competition for jobs and business opportunities. Migrants can become convenient targets for anger over problems that have deeper structural causes. Rights organisations and researchers have warned against blaming foreigners for unemployment, crime or pressure on public services, arguing that such claims can fuel hostility and violence. The issue has implications for Nigeria as well. Nigerians form one of the larger African migrant communities in South Africa, with citizens involved in businesses and professional activities across the country. Previous incidents of xenophobic violence have generated strong reactions from Nigerian authorities and public concern over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa. Abuja and Pretoria have generally sought to manage such disputes through diplomatic channels, but serious attacks can quickly create tension between the two countries. South Africa and Nigeria are among Africa's most influential economies and political powers. Their relationship extends to trade, investment, diplomacy and continental affairs, making stability between them important beyond bilateral concerns. Violence against migrants can damage that relationship when affected governments are forced to demand stronger protection for their citizens. The economic consequences of xenophobia can also be significant. Foreign-owned shops and other businesses may be attacked or forced to close, disrupting local commerce. Migrants who leave suddenly can lose their livelihoods, while communities can experience shortages of goods and services when businesses disappear. Rebuilding trust after attacks can also take considerable time. South Africa's government faces the difficult task of addressing legitimate concerns about unemployment, crime and public services without allowing those concerns to become justification for attacks on foreigners. Effective policing, prosecution and community engagement are essential to preventing violence. Authorities also need to counter misinformation and inflammatory claims that portray entire migrant communities as responsible for social problems. For Uganda, the immediate priority was helping its citizens return safely. The repatriation also demonstrated the wider regional consequences of xenophobic violence. When migrants are attacked, neighbouring governments may be forced to organise evacuations, provide emergency assistance and respond diplomatically. Such incidents can therefore affect relations between countries even when the violence occurs entirely within one state's territory. African governments and regional organisations have repeatedly promoted the principles of free movement, integration and African solidarity. Xenophobic attacks run against those objectives by creating fear among people who move between African countries in search of opportunities. Long-term solutions require both stronger law enforcement and attention to the economic and social conditions that allow anti-migrant sentiment to grow. For migrants already living in South Africa, however, the immediate concern is personal safety. The repatriation of Ugandan citizens underscored the seriousness of those fears and placed renewed pressure on South African authorities to protect foreign nationals and prevent further violence. The episode is also a reminder that xenophobia is not simply a domestic South African issue. It has consequences for the wider African community, bilateral relations and the continent's efforts to promote greater economic and social integration.