KAMPALA, Uganda – The first batch of 260 Ugandan nationals evacuated from South Africa has returned home aboard a special Uganda Airlines charter flight, marking the start of a government-led repatriation exercise following recent anti-migrant violence and xenophobic attacks in the southern African nation.
The evacuation was undertaken on the directive of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who ordered the repatriation to safeguard the welfare and safety of Ugandans affected by the unrest.
Earlier on Thursday, the first Uganda Airlines evacuation flight departed South Africa with the 260 evacuees on board. Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Amoru, accompanied the group on their journey back to Uganda.
In a statement, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria confirmed the departure of the flight.
“The first Uganda Airlines flight carrying Ugandan nationals under the Government of Uganda’s voluntary repatriation programme has now departed South Africa. H.E. Ambassador Paul Amoru is accompanying the first group on their journey home. We wish all our compatriots journey mercies and look forward to welcoming them safely back home,” the mission said.
According to a government media release, the evacuation 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 leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa.
Uganda Airlines is operating the special charter flights, which are fully funded by the Government of Uganda.
The Uganda High Commission in Pretoria has overseen key aspects of the operation, including the registration of evacuees, the establishment of safe assembly centres, and the issuance of emergency travel documents where necessary to ensure the smooth execution of the exercise.
Ambassador Amoru said additional repatriation flights had already been scheduled to return more Ugandans to the country.
“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 carrying 114 Ugandan nationals,” he said.
The Government said it remains in active engagement with South African authorities to ensure the continued safety and welfare of Ugandans who remain in the country as the evacuation programme continues.
The repatriation follows reports of renewed anti-migrant violence and xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting the Government of Uganda to launch a voluntary evacuation programme for citizens wishing to return home.
