The Ugandan government has repatriated 424 nationals from South Africa following an escalation in xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests that targeted foreign residents. The returnees were brought home through a series of government-coordinated flights, with officials citing the protection of citizens as a primary duty of the state amid deteriorating security conditions in the host country.
The Repatriation Process
The evacuation effort, organized by the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involved multiple arrivals at Entebbe International Airport. The first group of 273 individuals, which included 255 adults and 18 children, arrived on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. Subsequent groups of 116 and 35 returnees followed, completing the initial phase of the government’s emergency response.
According to the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, the operation was initiated under the direct instruction of President Museveni. The government acted after receiving reports of mounting threats against foreign nationals in South Africa, which resulted in the deaths of three Ugandans. Officials confirmed that while the repatriation of the deceased is ongoing, the bodies of two victims remain unidentified.
Government Support and Reintegration
The Ugandan government has signaled that it intends to assist those returning from South Africa, many of whom arrived without personal belongings or financial assets. Ambassador Paul Omoru Omiat, Uganda’s envoy to South Africa, noted that the situation for Ugandans in the country had become increasingly untenable, forcing many to leave their livelihoods behind.
Minister Kasolo encouraged the returnees to engage with existing national wealth creation programs, framing the return not as a failure but as an opportunity to contribute to Uganda’s expanding economy. “You committed no offence in going to South Africa to look for greener pastures, but I must confirm to you that the greener pasture is now here in Uganda,” Kasolo stated during the reception at the airport.
Challenges Faced by Returnees
The United Returnees Organisation, represented by its president, Lydia Mwesigwa, is coordinating with the government to facilitate the reintegration of the returnees. Mwesigwa, who spent over 30 years in South Africa, emphasized that the organization plans to utilize Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) and agricultural initiatives to provide a sustainable path forward for those displaced by the violence.
Returnees like Mawanda Sayid Juma, who had worked as a driver in South Africa since 2023, highlighted the severe economic impact of the unrest. Many Ugandans were forced to abandon years of accumulated property and assets to ensure their safety. Government officials, including the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, were present at Entebbe to oversee the reception and ensure the security of the returning citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Ugandans have registered for evacuation?
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 700 Ugandan nationals have voluntarily registered for repatriation from South Africa.
What prompted the government to act?
The evacuation was triggered by widespread anti-migrant protests and xenophobic violence in South Africa, which resulted in the deaths of three Ugandan citizens and increased insecurity for foreign workers.
What support is available for returnees?
The government has urged returnees to utilize existing wealth creation programs. Additionally, the United Returnees Organisation is working to support reintegration through local SACCOs and agricultural livelihood projects.