ENTEBBE – The Government of Uganda has evacuated 424 Ugandan nationals from South Africa following weeks of anti-migrant protests and xenophobic violence that left at least three Ugandans dead and hundreds displaced.
The first group of 273 returnees, comprising 255 adults and 18 children, arrived at Entebbe International Airport aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight under a government-coordinated repatriation exercise. A second group of 116 arrived at 7:00 a.m., followed by another 35 at 8:00 a.m.
Receiving the returnees, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, said the successful evacuation reflected the government’s commitment to protecting Ugandans wherever they are.
“The brotherly responsibility of any sovereign government is the safety and security of its citizens, both within our borders and abroad,” Kasolo said.
He explained that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni immediately directed the mobilization of resources after receiving reports of escalating insecurity and attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
Kasolo disclosed that more than 700 Ugandans have voluntarily registered for repatriation. “No matter the distances you travel, or the challenges you face abroad, you must always remember that Uganda is your home, and the government will never abandon you in times of crisis,” he told the returnees.
The minister revealed that three Ugandans lost their lives during the unrest, while the bodies of two victims are yet to be identified and repatriated.
He urged the returnees to rebuild their lives in Uganda, saying the country’s economy now offers growing opportunities.
“You committed no offence in going to South Africa to look for greener pastures, but I must confirm to you that the greener pasture is now here in Uganda,” Kasolo said, encouraging them to benefit from the government’s wealth creation programmes.
Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Paul Omoru Omiat, praised President Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for facilitating the emergency evacuation.
“Most Ugandans returned with nothing, some without even a suitcase, because the situation was not friendly,” Ambassador Omoru said.
He appealed for government support to help the returnees reintegrate into their communities after losing businesses, homes and other property during the violence.
Speaking on behalf of the evacuees, Mrs. Lydia Mwesigwa, President of the United Returnees Organisation and a resident of South Africa for more than 30 years, thanked the government for bringing them home safely.
“What the enemy meant for evil, God has turned around for our good,” she said.
Mwesigwa said the organisation would support members through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) and agricultural livelihood projects to help them rebuild their lives.
Another returnee, Mr. Mawanda Sayid Juma, who had worked as a driver in South Africa since 2023, appealed for continued government assistance, saying many Ugandans were forced to flee without their belongings.
“Many of us left behind property and assets that we had accumulated over several years,” he said.
The reception ceremony was attended by the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, Denis Kalemba, Ambassador Dickson Ogwal, Moses Kibombo Ssentongo, and other officers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The evacuation follows a surge in anti-migrant violence in parts of South Africa that prompted the Ugandan government to organize the voluntary return of its citizens, with additional repatriation efforts expected for those who have already registered to return home.