Uganda Government At least Works for People, Evacuates Over 400 from South Africans’ Killing Hands
By Kyeyune Ali
The Government of Uganda has evacuated 424 Ugandan nationals from South Africa following weeks of anti-migrant protests and xenophobic violence.
The first batch of returnees, comprising 273 people—including 255 adults and 18 children—arrived at Entebbe International Airport aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight under a government-coordinated repatriation programme. A second group of 116 returnees arrived at 7:00 a.m., followed by another 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, described their arrival as a moment of great relief for the nation, their families, and President Yoweri Museveni.
He said President Museveni immediately directed the mobilisation of resources to facilitate the safe evacuation of Ugandans after receiving reports of escalating insecurity and threats against 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,” Hon. Kasolo said.
The minister revealed that more than 700 Ugandans have voluntarily registered for repatriation.
“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 added.
Hon. Kasolo also disclosed that three Ugandans lost their lives during the unrest, while the bodies of two victims are yet to be identified and repatriated.
Addressing the returnees, he encouraged them to embrace opportunities back home, noting that Uganda’s economy continues to grow.
“You committed no offence by going to South Africa in search of greener pastures, but I can assure you that the greener pastures are now here in Uganda,” he said, urging them to take advantage of the government’s wealth creation programmes.
Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Paul Omoru Omiat, commended 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.
“Most Ugandans returned with nothing—some without even a suitcase—because the situation was extremely hostile,” Ambassador Omoru said, appealing for government support to facilitate the returnees’ reintegration.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, President of the United Returnees Organisation, Mrs. Lydia Mwesigwa, who lived in South Africa for more than 30 years, expressed gratitude to the government for ensuring their safe return.
“What the enemy meant for evil, God has turned around for our good,” she said.
Mrs. Mwesigwa noted that the organisation would support the returnees’ reintegration through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) and agricultural livelihood programmes.
One of the returnees, Mr. Mawanda Sayid Juma, who had worked as a driver in South Africa since 2023, described the hardships many Ugandans endured.
He appealed to the government to support the returnees, explaining that many were forced to leave behind property, businesses, and other assets accumulated over several years.
The reception ceremony 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.