Xenophobic Attack: Uganda Evacuates Citizens From South Africa

Uganda has completed the first phase of the voluntary repatriation of 1,102 of its citizens from South Africa following xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant protests in the country.

NEWSNGR understands that the evacuation exercise ended on Thursday after the final chartered flight carrying 219 Ugandan nationals arrived safely at Entebbe International Airport, near Kampala.

The flight departed from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, bringing the number of Ugandans evacuated under the first phase of the government-backed operation to 1,102.

Confirming the development in a statement posted on 𝕏, the Ugandan Embassy in South Africa said the arrival of the final group marked the successful completion of the first stage of the evacuation exercise.

“The arrival marks the successful conclusion of phase one of the Government of Uganda’s voluntary repatriation exercise,” the embassy said.

It added that “1,102 Ugandan nationals safely returned home through six evacuation flights coordinated between Uganda and South Africa.”

The embassy said the operation involved extensive coordination between authorities in both countries to guarantee the safe departure and return of Ugandan citizens affected by the unrest.

The Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the repatriation was carried out in collaboration with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and other government agencies.

Uganda Airlines, the country’s national carrier, and several other partners also supported the evacuation exercise.

The operation followed a directive by President Yoweri Museveni that citizens affected by violence and insecurity abroad should be protected and assisted to return home safely.

The government said the evacuation was voluntary and targeted Ugandan nationals who expressed a desire to leave South Africa following the renewed violence and anti-migrant protests.

Ugandan authorities said the returnees would undergo a training and reintegration programme at the Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute in central Uganda.

According to the government, the programme is intended to equip the returnees with the skills, knowledge and mindset needed to rebuild their lives and reintegrate successfully into society.