Entebbe, Uganda — The Government of Uganda has welcomed the first group of Ugandan nationals evacuated from South Africa, marking a significant milestone in an ongoing emergency repatriation exercise initiated in response to recent reports of xenophobic violence. The arrival of 265 returnees at Entebbe International Airport underscores the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens beyond its borders while reinforcing Uganda’s long-standing commitment to Pan-African solidarity and diplomatic engagement.
The returnees were received by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the people of Uganda. Addressing the returnees and government officials gathered at Entebbe International Airport, Hon. Kasolo described the successful evacuation as both a humanitarian priority and a national responsibility. “Today is a moment of relief for the nation as we welcome our fellow Ugandans safely back home,” he said. “The Government remains firmly committed to protecting the lives, dignity, and welfare of all Ugandans, whether they reside within our borders or abroad.”
The evacuation follows reports of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting President Museveni to direct relevant government institutions to mobilize resources and coordinate the safe return of Ugandan citizens wishing to come home. The inaugural evacuation flight, operated by Uganda Airlines, reflected coordinated efforts involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda’s High Commission in Pretoria, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and the Ministry’s Diaspora Services Department. Officials described the operation as an example of effective inter-agency collaboration during a humanitarian emergency.
Hon. Kasolo emphasized that the exercise is only the beginning of a broader government response. “This is not a one-off intervention,” he noted. “Government has registered approximately 700 Ugandan nationals seeking emergency repatriation, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that every registered citizen returns home safely. Our target is to complete the exercise by the end of this week, subject to the necessary logistical and immigration clearances.” Government officials indicated that coordination teams remain on the ground in South Africa, working closely with local authorities and Uganda’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria to facilitate the departure of the remaining Ugandans.
Present during the reception was Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Ambassador Paul Amoru, whose office has been central to coordinating the evacuation process, engaging South African authorities, and maintaining communication with affected Ugandan communities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the efforts of the High Commission in identifying vulnerable citizens, processing travel documentation, and ensuring that those wishing to return received the necessary assistance throughout the evacuation process.
While celebrating the safe return of the first group, Hon. Kasolo also conveyed the government’s condolences following the reported deaths of two Ugandan nationals during the unrest in South Africa. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones during these unfortunate incidents,” he said. “We stand with them during this difficult time and continue to engage the relevant authorities regarding these tragic cases.”
The Minister reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to resolving the situation through diplomacy rather than confrontation, noting that constructive engagement remains central to the country’s foreign policy. He emphasized that Uganda values its longstanding bilateral relations with South Africa and continues to engage Pretoria through diplomatic channels to safeguard the welfare and security of Ugandan nationals who remain in the country. “Uganda’s commitment to Pan-Africanism remains unwavering,” Hon. Kasolo observed. “Our engagement with South Africa is guided by mutual respect, cooperation, and the shared vision of a peaceful and united Africa. We remain confident that through dialogue and collaboration, the concerns affecting our citizens will continue to receive the necessary attention.”
Beyond the immediate evacuation exercise, the Government announced that mechanisms are being put in place to support the reintegration of returnees into their communities. Officials indicated that relevant ministries and agencies will work together to facilitate access to social support and economic reintegration opportunities for those returning after the emergency. The repatriation exercise highlights the increasingly important role of consular services and diaspora engagement within Uganda’s foreign policy framework. As labour mobility and regional migration continue to shape Africa’s socio-economic landscape, governments are placing greater emphasis on protecting their citizens overseas while strengthening diplomatic mechanisms for crisis response.
For many of the returnees, their arrival at Entebbe represented more than the end of a difficult journey it symbolized reassurance that, even beyond its borders, Uganda remains committed to the safety and welfare of its people. As additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days, the government has reiterated its determination to ensure that every registered Ugandan wishing to return home is afforded the opportunity to do so safely and with dignity.
