KAMPALA – The Government of Uganda has commenced the repatriation of Ugandan nationals from South Africa, with the first batch of 260 evacuees arriving at Entebbe International Airport aboard a special Uganda Airlines charter flight following recent anti-migrant violence and xenophobic attacks in the southern African nation.
The evacuation exercise was undertaken on the directive of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who ordered the repatriation to safeguard the welfare and safety of Ugandans affected by the unrest.
Earlier on Thursday, the first Uganda Airlines evacuation flight departed South Africa carrying the Ugandan nationals, accompanied by Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Paul Amoru.
In a statement, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria confirmed the departure of the flight.
“The first Uganda Airlines flight carrying Ugandan nationals under the Government of Uganda’s voluntary repatriation programme has now departed South Africa. H.E. Ambassador Paul Amoru is accompanying the first group on their journey home. We wish all our compatriots journey mercies and look forward to welcoming them safely back home,” the mission said.
According to a government media release, the evacuation is being jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uganda, the Ministry of Works and Transport of Uganda, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, and leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa.
Uganda Airlines is operating the special charter flights, which are fully funded by the Government of Uganda.
The High Commission in Pretoria has been overseeing critical on-the-ground operations, including the registration of evacuees, establishment of safe assembly centres, and the issuance of emergency travel documents where required to facilitate the evacuation.
Ambassador Amoru said additional evacuation flights had already been scheduled to bring home more Ugandans.
“Further repatriation flights are being arranged. The second flight is scheduled to depart on Friday at 03:00 hours and arrive at 08:15 hours with 35 evacuees. The third flight is scheduled to depart at 13:00 hours and arrive at 19:00 hours with 114 Ugandan nationals,” Amoru said.
The government said it remains in active engagement with South African authorities to ensure the continued safety and welfare of Ugandans who remain in the country while the evacuation programme continues.
The repatriation follows reports of renewed anti-migrant violence and xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting Uganda to organise a voluntary evacuation programme for citizens wishing to return home.
