world 17 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
150 Sudanese Refugees Return Home Amidst Improving Security
A group of 150 Sudanese nationals has voluntarily repatriated from Uganda to Sudan, marking a significant step as the security situation in their home country stabilizes. This repatriation is part of a larger ongoing program aimed at returning over 1,300 refugees. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/150-refugees-repatriated-as-peace-returns-to-sudan-5560724
A voluntary repatriation program has seen approximately 150 Sudanese refugees depart from Uganda for their homeland. This move comes as the security landscape in Sudan shows signs of improvement, encouraging displaced individuals to return.
The repatriation exercise aligns with recent government recommendations urging refugees to return to countries where peace has been restored, especially given the challenges of declining humanitarian funding.
Families, including the elderly and children, gathered at the Sudanese-Uganda Friendship School in Kampala over the weekend, preparing for their journey back to Khartoum. These refugees had initially fled to Uganda following the outbreak of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in early 2023.
According to Mr. Suleiman Ayman, the Diplomatic Consul at the Sudanese Embassy in Uganda, the returnees represent a portion of a larger voluntary repatriation effort targeting over 1,300 individuals. He noted that the Sudanese army’s recapture of Khartoum has contributed significantly to the improved stability.
While many are returning, some Sudanese nationals engaged in sectors like agriculture, health, and education are expected to remain in Uganda for the time being, contributing to bilateral relations.
The Ugandan government has been commended for its support in facilitating the repatriation, with the Sudanese community expressing gratitude for the refuge provided during the conflict.
This initiative also highlights broader trends in refugee repatriation, with noted interest from Burundian refugees as well, though concerns remain about ensuring safe returns. The decreasing international funding for refugee support in Uganda underscores the importance of such repatriation efforts.