The first batch of 265 Ugandan nationals evacuated from South Africa, due to the continued Xenophobic attacks against migrants arrived at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday evening.
The evacuation follows a directive by President Yoweri Museveni, to safeguard the safety and welfare of Ugandans in light of recent anti-migrant violence and xenophobic incidents in the country.
While welcoming back the returnees, the acting foreign affairs Minister Hon Haruna Kasolo, reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Ugandans wherever they are, further noting that all registered returnees are expected home by the end of the week.
“The Ministry remains in active engagement with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Ugandans who remain” he said.
According to Amb. Paul Amoru, High Commissioner of Uganda to South Africa, 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” he said.
Amb Amoru further noted that the High Commission is providing critical on-the-ground coordination, including registration, establishment of safe assembly centres, and, where necessary, issuance of emergency travel documents, to enable the smooth execution of the evacuation exercise.
The exercise is being jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, and the leadership of the Ugandan community in South Africa. Uganda Airlines is operating special charter flights wholly funded by the Government of Uganda.
