Xenophobia: Uganda repatriates 1,102 citizens from S/Africa

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Uganda has completed the first phase of the voluntary repatriation of 1,102 nationals from South Africa following xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests.

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The final evacuation flight arrived in Kampala on Thursday safely.

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The last chartered flight, carrying 219 evacuees from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, landed at Entebbe International Airport, marking the conclusion of the first phase of the operation.

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In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Ugandan Embassy in South Africa said: “The arrival marks the successful conclusion of phase one of the Government of Uganda’s voluntary repatriation exercise.”

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The embassy added, “1,102 Ugandan nationals safely returned home through six evacuation flights coordinated between Uganda and South Africa”, highlighting the scale and coordination of the government-backed evacuation effort.

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The Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the repatriation exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, ensuring the safe return of affected citizens from South Africa.

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Uganda Airlines, the national carrier, alongside other partners, supported the operation following a directive by President Yoweri Museveni to protect citizens affected by the unrest and insecurity abroad.

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The government said returnees would undergo a training programme at the Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute in central Uganda to acquire skills and mindset necessary for successful reintegration into society. (Xinhua/NAN)

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