First batch of 273 Ugandans evacuated from South Africa arrives home
First batch of Ugandans evacuated from South Africa arrive home as 273 citizens safely returned to Uganda under the government’s voluntary repatriation programme following recent anti-illegal immigration protests and unrest in parts of South Africa. The returnees landed at Entebbe International Airport aboard a special Uganda Airlines charter flight, marking the beginning of a wider evacuation effort expected to bring home hundreds more Ugandan nationals.
The operation, coordinated by the Government of Uganda, comes after growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals following anti-illegal immigration protests that spread across parts of South Africa. Ugandan authorities say the evacuation programme is entirely voluntary and aims to assist citizens wishing to return home.
Officials confirmed that additional charter flights will be organised in the coming days as more Ugandans register for assistance.
Ugandan evacuation from South Africa begins
The first phase of the Ugandan evacuation from South Africa saw 273 citizens safely return home.
The group consisted of:
- 255 adults
- 18 infants
The passengers were accompanied by Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Amoru, who travelled with them throughout the journey.
Upon arrival in Uganda at approximately 2:00 a.m., the returnees were welcomed by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, together with senior government officials responsible for overseeing the repatriation programme.
The successful arrival marks an important milestone in Uganda’s response to the recent developments affecting its citizens living in South Africa.
Uganda Airlines charter flight delivers first returnees
Government organises special evacuation operation
The returnees travelled aboard a specially arranged Uganda Airlines charter flight, commissioned by the Ugandan government to facilitate the safe return of its nationals.
President Yoweri Museveni directed that all costs associated with the evacuation be fully funded by government to ensure no citizen wishing to return home would be prevented by financial constraints.
The charter flight represents the first of several planned operations expected to continue over the coming weeks.
Officials say further flights will be arranged as additional Ugandans complete registration for voluntary repatriation.
Entebbe International Airport welcomes returning citizens
The emotional scenes at Entebbe International Airport reflected both relief and gratitude.
Government officials welcomed families, children and individuals returning after weeks of uncertainty.
Speaking during the reception, Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo praised the coordinated efforts that made the operation possible.
“I commend our Embassy in South Africa, together with all the government agencies and partners involved, for their dedication, professionalism and coordinated efforts in making this operation possible.”
Kasolo described the successful evacuation as evidence of Uganda’s commitment to protecting its citizens wherever they may be.
Voluntary repatriation programme continues
More charter flights expected
Government officials stressed that the evacuation programme remains ongoing.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 800 Ugandan nationals have already registered for voluntary repatriation, although earlier estimates suggested registrations could eventually reach approximately 1,200 people.
Authorities have therefore confirmed that additional charter flights will be organised in the coming days.
The government has encouraged Ugandan citizens still wishing to return home to continue registering through official channels.
Officials say every eligible citizen requesting assistance will receive support.
Why Uganda launched the evacuation programme
The repatriation exercise follows recent anti-illegal immigration protests in parts of South Africa.
Several demonstrations called for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals.
Although many protests remained peaceful, incidents of intimidation and unrest heightened anxiety among foreign communities.
As concerns grew, several African governments began preparing evacuation plans for citizens wishing to leave South Africa voluntarily.
Uganda joined countries including Ghana and Nigeria in launching organised repatriation programmes.
Government officials emphasise that participation remains voluntary and is intended to assist citizens who no longer feel safe remaining in South Africa.
Government agencies coordinate national response
The evacuation operation involves multiple government departments working together.
Participating institutions include:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Office of the Prime Minister
- Ministry of Internal Affairs
- Ministry of Works and Transport
- Uganda High Commission in South Africa
- Uganda Airlines
- Immigration authorities
Officials say close cooperation between these institutions has ensured the smooth processing of travel documents, transport arrangements and arrival procedures.
The coordinated response reflects Uganda’s broader commitment to assisting citizens facing emergencies abroad.
Travel document challenges overcome
One of the major logistical challenges involved obtaining valid travel documentation.
According to Minister Kasolo, many Ugandans seeking evacuation either possessed expired passports or had no valid travel documents at all.
To address this issue, Uganda’s High Commission in South Africa issued emergency travel certificates to qualifying applicants.
These temporary documents allowed affected citizens to board evacuation flights without unnecessary delays.
Officials praised embassy staff for processing large numbers of applications under significant time pressure.
Anti-illegal immigration protests impact foreign communities
The recent anti-illegal immigration protests have generated widespread debate across South Africa.
Demonstrators have called for:
- Stronger border controls
- Enforcement of immigration laws
- Action against undocumented migration
The protests also created uncertainty for many documented foreign nationals living and working in South Africa.
Although not every foreign resident was directly affected, some individuals chose to return home voluntarily out of concern for their personal safety and future stability.
Ugandan authorities said the evacuation programme was established to provide assistance to those wishing to leave.
Regional governments respond
Uganda is not the only African country organising repatriation efforts.
Several governments across the continent have introduced similar programmes for citizens residing in South Africa.
Countries including:
- Ghana
- Nigeria
have also offered voluntary evacuation assistance to nationals seeking to return home.
These coordinated efforts demonstrate increasing regional concern regarding the welfare of African citizens affected by recent developments.
Governments continue monitoring the situation closely while maintaining communication with diplomatic missions across South Africa.
Uganda reassures citizens abroad
Officials have emphasised that Uganda remains committed to protecting its citizens regardless of where they live.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues working closely with Uganda’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria to monitor conditions and assist nationals requiring support.
Government representatives have encouraged Ugandans still residing in South Africa to remain in contact with the High Commission and follow official guidance.
The ministry says embassy staff remain available to assist with documentation, consular services and evacuation enquiries.
A humanitarian response to growing uncertainty
Beyond transportation, the evacuation represents an important humanitarian effort.
Many returnees include families with young children who faced uncertainty following weeks of heightened tensions.
The arrival of 18 infants among the first group highlights the importance of ensuring vulnerable citizens receive safe passage home.
Government officials say future flights will continue prioritising those most in need of assistance.
YOU MAY LIKE:
Conclusion
First batch of Ugandans evacuated from South Africa arrive home as Uganda successfully completed the first phase of its voluntary repatriation programme, bringing 273 citizens safely back to Entebbe International Airport aboard a Uganda Airlines charter flight. Coordinated by multiple government agencies under the direction of President Yoweri Museveni, the operation reflects Uganda’s commitment to protecting its citizens during periods of uncertainty abroad.
With more than 800 Ugandans already registered for voluntary repatriation and additional charter flights planned, the Ugandan evacuation from South Africa is expected to continue in the coming weeks. As anti-illegal immigration protests remain a source of concern for many foreign residents, Uganda has joined several African nations in offering safe, organised assistance to citizens choosing to return home.
References
- Uganda Radio Network (URN) – First batch of Ugandans evacuated from South Africa arrives home
https://ugandaradionetwork.net/ - Daily Monitor – Uganda begins voluntary repatriation of citizens from South Africa
https://www.monitor.co.ug/ - New Vision – Uganda receives first group of evacuees from South Africa
https://www.newvision.co.ug/ - Nile Post – Uganda launches charter flights for citizens returning from South Africa
https://nilepost.co.ug/ - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Uganda – Official statements on the South Africa repatriation programme
https://mofa.go.ug/
Keep the News Flowing – Buy the Team a Coffee! ☕
Love the updates? Help us stay on the beat! Whether it’s a quick one-time donation or a monthly subscription, your support keeps the eKayNews lights on and the stories flowing.
-
Secure & Simple: We use PayFast for total transaction peace of mind.
-
Make an Impact: Every “coffee” you send directly supports our newsroom.
Your Brand, Our Audience: Let’s Make Headlines Together! 🚀
Looking for real engagement? At eKayNews, we don’t just share news—we build connections. Whether you’re a local startup or a growing business, our advertising packages are designed to put your brand in front of a loyal, highly engaged audience.
Choose Your Spotlight:
-
Link Booster (R2,500): Dominate the feed with 7 links across 7 days.
-
Permanent Feature (R4,000): Your story, hosted on our site for a lifetime.
-
Prime Visibility (R5,000): Claim the top spot with a 30-day homepage banner.
Ready to grow? 📩 Email us: info@ekaynews.co.za 💬 WhatsApp us: +27 71 096 1185
Get Connected:
-
Facebook & X (Twitter) : Follow us for real-time updates and community debates.
-
WhatsApp Channel: Get exclusive alerts sent directly to your phone.
Stay informed, ahead, connected with the eKayNews family!
