The first group of Ugandans evacuated from South Africa under the government’s voluntary repatriation programme has safely returned home.
A total of 273 nationals, including 18 infants and 255 adults, arrived at Entebbe International Airport in the early hours of Friday aboard the first evacuation flight. The group was accompanied by Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Amoru.
The returnees were welcomed by government officials led by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kasolo, who described the operation as a major step in protecting Ugandans affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Kasolo commended the Ugandan High Commission in Pretoria and the various government agencies that worked together to organise the evacuation, saying their coordinated efforts ensured the safe return of the first group.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding Ugandan citizens abroad and said the repatriation exercise would continue until 4 July to allow more nationals wishing to return home to do so.
“As we welcome home the first group of our compatriots, I want to assure all Ugandans that the evacuation exercise is still ongoing. The government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens,” Kasolo said.
More than 700 Ugandans in South Africa have so far registered for voluntary repatriation following the recent security concerns, with additional evacuation flights expected to bring back the remaining returnees.
