The first batch of Ugandans evacuated from South Africa following a wave of xenophobic violence is expected to arrive at Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday, July 1.
The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, confirmed the development while providing an update on the government’s ongoing evacuation exercise.
“The first group will land at Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday. We shall identify those arriving first so that they can be received by their families,” Kasolo said.
He revealed that the number of Ugandans who have voluntarily registered with the Ugandan Embassy in South Africa for evacuation has risen sharply from 743 on Sunday to about 1,000.
Kasolo assured Ugandans that the evacuation is being conducted free of charge, with the Government of Uganda covering all associated costs.
“The evacuation process is free of charge. No Ugandan will pay for their return. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Uganda in South Africa, under the guidance of President Yoweri Museveni, are working tirelessly to ensure that all Ugandans return home safely,” he said.
President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday directed the government to immediately evacuate Ugandan nationals affected by the violence in South Africa.
Following the directive, the Ministry of Works and Transport arranged for Uganda Airlines to operate special charter flights to repatriate the evacuees, with the entire operation fully funded by the government.
The evacuation follows escalating xenophobic attacks in KwaZulu-Natal Province, where foreign nationals have reportedly been targeted by vigilante groups.
On Saturday, a Ugandan national was killed during the violence.
The groups had reportedly issued an ultimatum ordering non-South Africans to leave the area by June 30, prompting hundreds of Ugandans to seek government assistance to return home.
Government officials say the evacuation exercise will continue until all Ugandans who have registered for voluntary repatriation are safely returned.
