Online Reporter
Uganda has launched the first phase of a large-scale evacuation of its citizens from South Africa, bringing home 273 nationals amid rising anti-illegal immigration protests and xenophobic violence.
More charter flights are planned as hundreds more Ugandans seek voluntary repatriation.
A total of 273 Ugandan nationals arrived at the Entebbe International Airport aboard a special Uganda Airlines charter flight in the early hours of Friday, marking the first phase of the government’s voluntary repatriation programme.
The returnees were welcomed by acting Foreign Affairs minister Haruna Kasolo.
Uganda’s high commissioner to South Africa Paul Amoru accompanied them on the flight.
Kasolo praised the Ugandan mission in South Africa and the various government agencies involved for coordinating the evacuation, describing it as a significant effort to protect citizens affected by the unrest.
The Ugandan government said the operation is ongoing, with additional charter flights scheduled to bring home more nationals who have registered for voluntary repatriation.
The evacuation follows a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, who said all costs associated with the operation be covered by the government.
The exercise is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs alongside the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport and Uganda’s High Commission in South Africa.
Officials said more than 800 Ugandans had already registered for the programme, although earlier estimates suggested the number of those seeking assistance had risen to about 1 200. Many of those returning described difficult experiences as the security situation deteriorated.
Harriet Namukwaya said she and other Ugandans waited after hearing that a government-chartered aircraft had been arranged to bring them home.
Amoru confirmed that more groups of returnees were already boarding flights and would continue arriving in Uganda over the coming days.
According to South African security authorities, more than 25 000 foreign nationals had already left the country since the wave of anti-migrant protests intensified. — Wires
