Uganda has finished the initial stage of bringing home 1,102 of its citizens from South Africa. This voluntary evacuation effort was launched in response to a surge in anti-migrant protests and xenophobic violence.
The operation wrapped up on Thursday as the final flight touched down at Entebbe International Airport. This last journey carried 219 people from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Official reports from the Ugandan Embassy in South Africa confirmed that six coordinated flights were used to transport the total group of 1,102 returnees back to their home country. The mission involved a partnership between the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, and the national airline, Uganda Airlines. These efforts were initiated following a direct order from President Yoweri Museveni to ensure the safety of those threatened by the recent instability.
Upon their arrival, the government intends for the returnees to attend a training course at the Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute. This program is designed to provide the participants with essential skills and tools to help them reintegrate into local communities.
