The first batch of returnees from South Africa, comprising 273 people, comprising 255 adults and 18 children, arrived at Entebbe International Airport aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight followed by a second group of 116 returnees.
While receiving the returnees, the acting foreign affairs minister, who is also the Minister of State in the same portfolio, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, described the returnees’ arrival as a moment of great relief for the nation, their families, and the president.
He said President Yoweri Museveni immediately directed the mobilisation of resources to facilitate the safe evacuation of Ugandans after receiving reports of escalating insecurity and threats against foreign nationals in South Africa.
According to a statement issued by the Uganda Media Center, a state-run communications agency, Uganda’s high commissioner to South Africa Paul Amoru said that additional repatriation flights are being arranged.
The latest violent xenophobic attacks targeting African and Asian foreign nationals was started three months ago with little or insufficient response from the police and other authorities, Human Rights Watch said Friday.
Many foreigners have already fled to escape violence and intimidation. South African police say 25,000 have been repatriated so far. Most are from other African countries.
Amoru commended President Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for their swift intervention, describing the evacuation as timely and compassionate.
MG/as/APA