The first batch of Ugandans evacuated from war-torn South Sudan arrived in Kampala on Saturday.
President Yoweri Museveni at the start of the week ordered Uganda People’s Defence Forces to enter South Sudan and rescue Ugandans numbered to be over 3,000 from the country that is witnessing fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Five Ugandans are said to have lost their lives in the stand-off.
220 people arrived on Uganda Police buses and they were received at the Central Police Station in Kampala.
“We have rescued more than 1,000, but the first batch is the most vulnerable. We agreed with other security agencies that we give priority to the elderly, pregnant women and children,” Police spokesman Fred Enanga said.
Thousands of Ugandans gain their livelihood from South Sudan where they are mainly traders in the lucrative but volatile country. Many have refused to return home because all they have is in Juba.