Uganda has launched the first phase of a large-scale evacuation of its citizens from South Africa, bringing home 273 nationals amid rising anti-illegal immigration protests and xenophobic violence. More charter flights are planned as hundreds more Ugandans seek voluntary repatriation.
A total of 273 Ugandan nationals arrived at Entebbe International Airport aboard a special Uganda Airlines charter flight in the early hours of Friday, marking the first phase of the government's voluntary repatriation programme.
The returnees were welcomed by Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Haruna Kasolo and Uganda's High Commissioner to South Africa, Paul Amoru, who accompanied them on the flight.
Kasolo praised the Ugandan mission in South Africa and the various government agencies involved for coordinating the evacuation, describing it as a significant effort to protect citizens affected by the unrest.
More evacuation flights planned
