The Government of Uganda has successfully evacuated 424 Ugandan nationals from South Africa following weeks of anti-migrant protests and xenophobic violence that left thousands of foreign nationals living in fear.
The returnees arrived at Entebbe International Airport in three groups under a government-coordinated repatriation exercise. The first batch of 273 people, comprising 255 adults and 18 children, landed aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight, followed by another 116 returnees at 7:00 a.m. and a final group of 35 at 8:00 a.m.
While receiving the returnees, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, said President Yoweri Museveni ordered the immediate mobilisation of resources after receiving reports of escalating insecurity and attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
“The brotherly responsibility of any sovereign government is the safety and security of its citizens, both within our borders and abroad,” Kasolo said.
He disclosed that more than 700 Ugandans have so far voluntarily registered for repatriation, indicating that additional evacuation efforts could follow.
Kasolo assured Ugandans living abroad that their country would always stand by them in times of crisis.
“No matter the distances you travel, or the challenges you face abroad, you must always remember that Uganda is your home, and the government will never abandon you in times of crisis,” he said.
The minister also confirmed that three Ugandans lost their lives during the unrest, while the bodies of two victims are yet to be identified and repatriated.
He encouraged the returnees to rebuild their lives in Uganda, saying the country’s economy continues to offer growing opportunities through government wealth creation programmes.
“You committed no offence in going to South Africa to look for greener pastures, but I must confirm to you that the greener pasture is now here in Uganda,” Kasolo told the returnees.
Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Paul Omoru Omiat, praised President Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for their swift intervention, describing the evacuation as timely and compassionate.
He noted that many Ugandans fled with nothing due to the violence, with some returning home without even a suitcase, and appealed for government support to help them reintegrate into society.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, the President of the United Returnees Organisation, Mrs. Lydia Mwesigwa, who had lived in South Africa for more than three decades, thanked the government for ensuring their safe return.
“What the enemy meant for evil, God has turned around for our good,” she said.
Mwesigwa said the organisation plans to support the returnees through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) and agricultural livelihood projects to help them restart their lives.
Another returnee, Mr. Mawanda Sayid Juma, who had worked as a driver in South Africa since 2023, appealed for government assistance, saying many Ugandans were forced to abandon businesses, homes and other valuable property during the unrest.
The reception ceremony at Entebbe International Airport was attended by the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col. Chris Magezi, Denis Kalemba, Ambassador Dickson Ogwal, Moses Kibombo Ssentongo, and other UPDF officers.