ENTEBBE
The Government of Uganda has received a third group of 255 citizens evacuated from South Africa following recent anti-migrant violence and xenophobic attacks that displaced hundreds of foreign nationals.
The returnees arrived at Entebbe International Airport, where they were welcomed by Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking during the reception, Ambassador Ogwang said the evacuation reflected the government’s commitment to protecting Ugandans living abroad whenever their safety is threatened.
He credited President Yoweri Museveni for prioritising the welfare of Ugandan citizens and praised the coordinated efforts of various government institutions that made the repatriation exercise possible.
Ambassador Ogwang also commended the Deputy Operations Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC), Lt. Col. Frank Murema, for working alongside Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Omoru, to coordinate the safe return of the stranded Ugandans.
He further recognised the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col. Chris Magezi, for supporting the exercise on behalf of the Office of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
According to the ambassador, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Special Forces Command provided critical operational planning and logistical support throughout the evacuation process.
He described the operation as an example of effective collaboration between Uganda’s diplomatic and security institutions in protecting citizens overseas.
Addressing the returnees, Col. Magezi encouraged Ugandans who remain in South Africa to register for evacuation, noting that some are still in hiding following the recent attacks.
He said Uganda’s economy has expanded considerably over the years and urged those willing to return home to take advantage of the growing opportunities available through government wealth creation programmes and other economic initiatives.
The President General of the Confederation of Ugandans in Southern Africa (COUSA), Moses Kibombo Ssentongo, thanked the government for facilitating the evacuation and appealed for additional repatriation flights, saying many more Ugandans are still seeking assistance to return home.
He revealed that approximately 1,200 Ugandans have so far registered for repatriation and are awaiting evacuation from South Africa.
COUSA General Secretary Ashraf Kwiri also expressed appreciation to the government for responding to the plight of stranded Ugandans.
He said many of those returning lost businesses, jobs and personal property during the violence, affecting people from different professions, including teachers, mechanics, doctors, hairdressers and traders.
Kwiri added that the evacuation exercise was conducted without discrimination, with assistance extended to all affected Ugandans regardless of their political affiliation.