A total of 273 Ugandans have safely returned home under the government’s voluntary repatriation programme, arriving at Entebbe International Airport on the first chartered flight.

The group, comprising 255 adults and 18 infants, was accompanied by Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Paul Amoru. They were warmly received by a high-level government delegation led by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo.

Also present were Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col. Chris Magezi and senior officials from various ministries and agencies.

The evacuation comes in the wake of rising xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has claimed a life of one Ugandan national and created widespread fear within the diaspora community.

Recent attacks prompted the Ugandan government to initiate the repatriation exercise to safeguard its citizens.

Speaking at the airport, Acting Minister Haruna Kasolo described the arrival as a significant milestone.

“This marks an important milestone in our efforts to ensure the safe return of Ugandans affected by the recent developments in South Africa.”

Kasolo commended the Uganda High Commission in South Africa and other government agencies for their coordination of the operation. He reassured Ugandans that the evacuation remains ongoing.

“As we welcome home the first group of our compatriots, I wish to reassure all Ugandans that the evacuation exercise remains ongoing.”

The Uganda High Commission in South Africa confirmed that the 273 nationals returned safely under the government’s programme.

This first batch represents just the beginning of a broader effort to bring home Ugandans wishing to leave amid the volatile security situation in parts of South Africa.

More flights are expected in the coming days.

The government continues to monitor the situation closely while urging Ugandans in South Africa to register with the embassy for possible assistance.