Over 273 Ugandans Return from South Africa as Government Evacuation Continues
ENTEBBE, Uganda — At least 273 Ugandan nationals have safely returned home from South Africa under the government’s voluntary evacuation programme, marking the first phase of a repatriation exercise launched in response to rising anti-immigration protests and xenophobic violence.
The returnees arrived at Entebbe International Airport at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Friday aboard a chartered Uganda Airlines flight.
They were welcomed by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo and Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru, who accompanied the group on their journey back to Uganda.
Government Hails Successful First Evacuation
Speaking at Entebbe, Kasolo described the arrival of the first group of returnees as a significant achievement in the government’s efforts to protect Ugandan citizens affected by the unrest in South Africa.
“I commend our embassy in South Africa, together with all the government agencies and partners involved, for their dedication, professionalism, and coordinated efforts in making this operation possible,” Kasolo said.
He assured the public that the evacuation exercise remains ongoing, with additional charter flights scheduled to bring home more Ugandans who have opted for voluntary repatriation.
Government Funding the Evacuation
The evacuation programme follows a directive from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who ordered that all costs associated with the repatriation exercise be covered by the Government of Uganda.
The operation is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda’s High Commission in Pretoria, and other government agencies.
Officials said the coordinated effort is intended to ensure the safe and orderly return of Ugandans affected by the deteriorating security situation in South Africa.
More Ugandans Expected to Return
Government officials revealed that more than 800 Ugandans have already registered for voluntary repatriation, although the number of those seeking assistance has since risen to approximately 1,200.
Authorities expect additional charter flights to arrive in the coming days as the evacuation programme continues.
Earlier, Kasolo explained that many Ugandans requesting evacuation either lacked valid travel documents or possessed expired passports, prompting Uganda’s diplomatic mission in South Africa to issue emergency travel certificates to facilitate their return.
Evacuation Triggered by Rising Tensions in South Africa
Uganda launched the repatriation programme after anti-illegal immigration demonstrations intensified across several parts of South Africa.
The protests, driven by calls for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and the removal of undocumented migrants, have heightened fears among many foreign nationals living in the country.
In response to the growing security concerns, several African governments have initiated voluntary evacuation programmes for their citizens.
Uganda joins countries including Ghana and Nigeria, which have also organised repatriation efforts to assist nationals wishing to leave South Africa amid the unrest.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every Ugandan seeking voluntary evacuation is safely returned home as the operation continues.
