The first flight carrying Ugandan nationals evacuated from South Africa is scheduled to arrive at Entebbe International Airport today, July 2, 2026, at 9:30 p.m., with 260 evacuees on board.
The evacuation follows a directive by President Museveni to safeguard the safety and welfare of Ugandans following recent anti-migrant violence and xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The operation is being jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, and the leadership of the Ugandan community in South Africa. Uganda Airlines is operating the special charter flights, which are fully funded by the Government of Uganda.
The Uganda High Commission in Pretoria is overseeing on-the-ground coordination, including the registration of evacuees, establishment of safe assembly centres, and issuance of emergency travel documents where necessary to facilitate the smooth execution of the repatriation exercise.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Amoru, said additional repatriation flights have already been arranged. The second flight is scheduled to depart on Friday at 3:00 a.m. and arrive at 8:15 a.m. with 35 evacuees, while the third flight will depart at 1:00 p.m. and arrive at 7:00 p.m. carrying 114 Ugandan nationals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it remains in close engagement with South African authorities to ensure the continued safety of Ugandans who remain in the country.
