First Wave of Ugandans Return From South Africa Amidst Xenophobic Unrest

The first contingent of over 270 Ugandans has successfully returned from South Africa, marking a significant step in the government’s repatriation efforts. The group arrived at Entebbe International Airport early Friday morning aboard a Uganda Airlines charter flight.

Officials including the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, and Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru, were present to welcome the returnees. Kasolo emphasized that the operation was a crucial milestone in ensuring the safety of Ugandans caught in the recent disturbances in South Africa.

The evacuation follows a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, who mandated that the government cover all expenses associated with the safe return of its citizens wishing to leave. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is leading the coordination, working alongside other key government bodies.

More than 800 Ugandans have registered for this voluntary repatriation, with plans for additional charter flights in the coming days. This exercise comes in response to intensifying anti-illegal immigration protests in South Africa, which have fueled fears among foreign nationals.

Uganda now joins other African nations like Ghana and Nigeria in facilitating the return of their citizens from South Africa. Many Ugandans seeking repatriation had faced challenges with their travel documents, necessitating the issuance of emergency travel certificates by the Ugandan mission in South Africa.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/over-270-ugandans-return-from-south-africa-as-evacuation-begins