The Ugandan government has successfully concluded the first phase of its voluntary evacuation programme, bringing home 1,102 citizens from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant protests.
The exercise reached its final stage on Thursday with the arrival of the last evacuation flight in Kampala, signalling the completion of the initial repatriation effort.
The concluding chartered flight transported 219 Ugandan nationals from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and landed safely at Entebbe International Airport, bringing an end to the first phase of the government-coordinated operation.
Confirming the development in a statement shared on its official X account, the Ugandan Embassy in South Africa described the operation as a major milestone in the country’s efforts to safeguard its citizens abroad.
“The arrival marks the successful conclusion of phase one of the Government of Uganda’s voluntary repatriation exercise,” the embassy stated.
Providing further details, the diplomatic mission disclosed that a total of 1,102 Ugandan nationals were evacuated through six coordinated flights organised jointly by the governments of Uganda and South Africa.
“1,102 Ugandan nationals safely returned home through six evacuation flights coordinated between Uganda and South Africa,” the embassy added, emphasising the scale and successful coordination of the exercise.
According to Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the repatriation programme was executed in partnership with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), which provided support to ensure the safe evacuation and return of affected citizens.
The ministry noted that the coordinated effort was aimed at protecting Ugandan nationals who had become vulnerable following the wave of xenophobic violence and growing anti-immigrant demonstrations in parts of South Africa.
Uganda Airlines, the country’s national carrier, also played a significant role in the evacuation exercise alongside other strategic partners, helping to transport the returnees back home.
The government explained that the repatriation programme was initiated following a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, who ordered the immediate evacuation of Ugandan citizens affected by the deteriorating security situation in South Africa.
Authorities further disclosed that the returnees would not simply be received into the country but would also undergo a structured reintegration process.
According to the government, all evacuated citizens are expected to participate in a training programme at the Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute located in central Uganda.
The programme is designed to equip them with practical skills, leadership values and the mindset required to successfully reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives after returning home.
The Ugandan government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its citizens wherever they reside and assured that additional measures would be taken if circumstances required further evacuation efforts.
