Gov’t evacuates 424 Ugandans from South Africa, more flights expected

Entebbe, Uganda: The Government of Uganda has now evacuated at least 424 Ugandan nationals from South Africa under its voluntary repatriation programme as authorities intensify efforts to rescue citizens affected by weeks of anti-migrant protests and xenophobic violence.

The latest arrivals bring the total number of Ugandans safely returned home to 424, with the government confirming that additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days.

The first group of 273 returnees, comprising 255 adults and 18 children, arrived at Entebbe International Airport aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight. They were followed by a second batch of 116 Ugandans that landed at 7:00 a.m. before another 35 returnees arrived an hour later.

Receiving the returnees, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo said the successful evacuation reflects the government’s commitment to protecting Ugandans wherever they are.

He revealed that President Yoweri Museveni immediately directed the mobilisation of resources after receiving reports of worsening insecurity and attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

“The brotherly responsibility of any sovereign government is the safety and security of its citizens, both within our borders and abroad,” Kasolo said.

The minister disclosed that more than 700 Ugandans have so far voluntarily registered for repatriation, indicating that the evacuation exercise remains ongoing. “No matter the distances you travel, or the challenges you face abroad, you must always remember that Uganda is your home, and the government will never abandon you in times of crisis,” he said.

Kasolo also revealed that three Ugandans lost their lives during the unrest, while the bodies of two victims are yet to be identified and repatriated to Uganda.

He encouraged the returnees to embrace opportunities available back home, saying Uganda’s economy continues to offer prospects for wealth creation and employment.

“You committed no offence in going to South Africa to look for greener pastures, but I must confirm to you that the greener pasture is now here in Uganda,” Kasolo said, urging the returnees to take advantage of government wealth creation programmes.

Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Omoru Omiat, commended President Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for what he described as a swift and compassionate intervention.

“Most Ugandans returned with nothing, some without even a suitcase, because the situation was not friendly,” Ambassador Omoru said.

He appealed for government support to facilitate the reintegration of the returnees, many of whom lost businesses, jobs and personal belongings during the violence.

Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Lydia Mwesigwa, President of the United Returnees Organisation, thanked the government for ensuring their safe return after decades of living in South Africa. “What the enemy meant for evil, God has turned around for our good,” she said.

Mwesigwa said the organisation would support the returnees through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) and agricultural livelihood projects to help them rebuild their lives.

Another returnee, Mawanda Sayid Juma, who had worked as a driver in South Africa since 2023, appealed for continued government support, saying many Ugandans fled with nothing and were forced to abandon property and investments accumulated over several years.

The reception at Entebbe International Airport was attended by the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col. Chris Magezi, Denis Kalemba, Ambassador Dickson Ogwal, Moses Kibombo Ssentongo, and other officials from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The evacuation exercise is expected to continue as the government works to facilitate the safe return of all Ugandans who have registered to leave South Africa.