Uganda has brought home 1,102 of its citizens from South Africa after completing the first phase of a voluntary evacuation programme. The final charter flight touched down in Kampala on Thursday, carrying 219 evacuees from Johannesburg's O.R.
Tambo International Airport to Entebbe International Airport.
The Ugandan Embassy in South Africa confirmed the milestone on social media. "The arrival marks the successful conclusion of phase one of the government of Uganda's voluntary repatriation exercise," the mission stated.
Six evacuation flights in total transported the returnees home through coordinated efforts between Uganda and South Africa. The operation responded to xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests that threatened Ugandan nationals in the country.
Uganda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs worked alongside the Uganda People's Defence Forces to execute the repatriation. President Yoweri Museveni had ordered the evacuation to shield citizens caught in the unrest and insecurity.
Uganda Airlines, the national carrier, partnered with other organisations to support the flights. Additional partners also backed the emergency operation.
The government plans to help returnees rebuild their lives through a structured programme. They'll attend training at the Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute in central Uganda to develop skills and gain the right mindset for successful reintegration into Ugandan society.
