Nigeria, June 29 -- The Ugandan government has announced plans to evacuate hundreds of its citizens from South Africa following months of escalating anti-migrant violence and xenophobic protests.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo said President Yoweri Museveni had directed relevant government agencies to begin arrangements for the evacuation of Ugandans who wish to return home because of worsening security concerns.

The evacuation exercise is expected to begin within the next few days.

Mr Kasolo said 746 Ugandan nationals have so far voluntarily registered for evacuation, with more expected to do so.

He added that several Ugandans had already left South Africa on their own following a 30...