Xenophobic Attack: Uganda Evacuates Citizens From South Africa

Xenophobic Attack: Uganda Evacuates Citizens From South Africa
Six chartered flights completed the first phase of the repatriation exercise.
Returnees will undergo reintegration training at Kyankwanzi Leadership Institute.

The Ugandan government has completed the first phase of its voluntary repatriation programme, successfully evacuating 1,102 citizens from South Africa following renewed xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant protests.

The evacuation exercise concluded on Thursday after the final chartered flight carrying 219 Ugandan nationals landed safely at Entebbe International Airport near Kampala.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the aircraft departed from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, bringing the total number of Ugandans repatriated 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 initial 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 stated.

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

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

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

Uganda Airlines, the country’s national carrier, alongside several partner organisations, also supported the evacuation operation.

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

According to the government, participation in the evacuation exercise was voluntary and limited to Ugandan nationals who expressed a desire to leave South Africa following the resurgence of xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant demonstrations.

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

Xenophobic Attack: Uganda Evacuates Citizens From South Africa

The government explained that the programme is designed to equip the returnees with practical skills, knowledge and the necessary support to help them rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into their communities after returning home.