Uganda Begins Mass Evacuation from South Africa as First Batch of 265 Citizens Lands Tonight
The Government of Uganda commences a fully-funded voluntary repatriation exercise from South Africa, with the first charter flight carrying 265 citizens scheduled to land at Entebbe International Airport at 6:30 PM today. President Museveni has ordered the state to bear all costs as over 700 Ugandans register to return amid escalating regional security concerns.
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Entebbe, Uganda – The first group of 265 Ugandan nationals being voluntarily repatriated from South Africa is expected to touch down at Entebbe International Airport this evening aboard a special charter flight operated by Uganda Airlines. The aircraft is scheduled to land at 6:30 PM, marking the commencement of a comprehensive government-led evacuation exercise.
This initial phase follows a directive from H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who ordered that the government fully cover all costs associated with the repatriation. Over 700 Ugandans have so far registered to return home, with additional flights to be arranged as necessary to accommodate all those wishing to be evacuated. The number of registered evacuees has risen sharply in recent days, with diplomatic sources indicating that nearly 1,200 citizens have expressed interest in returning.
The repatriation is being conducted in response to escalating security concerns and xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. The Ugandan government has established four evacuation centers—two in Gauteng, one in Cape Town, and another in Durban—to coordinate the safe passage of citizens. The Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, led by Ambassador Paul Amoru, has been working closely with South African authorities to ensure the safety and processing of evacuees.
"We have spent the last three days working closely with the government of South Africa to ensure that our nationals have safe passage from wherever they are to the designated evacuation centers," Ambassador Amoru stated in a recent update.
The operation is being coordinated by the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister, and Uganda Airlines, with support from community leaders in South Africa. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo expressed gratitude to all agencies involved, commending their tireless coordination efforts.
"To our returning compatriots, we welcome you back home," the Minister said, reaffirming the government's commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad.
The repatriation exercise is expected to continue in phases over the coming weeks until all registered Ugandans are safely returned to the country.
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