ENTEBBE– The Government of Uganda has safely repatriated another 266 Ugandan nationals from the Republic of South Africa, aboard Uganda Airlines Charter Flight UR701, in what officials described as the third successful evacuation flight under a voluntary and precautionary programme.
The flight landed at Entebbe International Airport on Saturday morning,bringing the total number of Ugandans safely returned home from South Africa to 564 since the operation began.
According to a statement from Ambassador Ogwang, the 564 returnees are broken down as 266 on the first flight, 32 on the second flight, and 266 on the third flight. The figures do not include Government officials who accompanied the missions.
The returnees were received at Entebbe by a multi-agency Government team led by Col. Chris Magezi, Acting Director Defence Public Information/MA CDF-SPASO. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies were also present to coordinate reception, documentation and onward support.
The ambassador said the evacuation was activated following the timely intervention of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The President directed Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to coordinate a whole-of-government response through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the safety of Ugandans in South Africa.
In support of the operation, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba deployed Lt. Col. Frank Murema, Deputy Director of Operations, Special Forces Command, to South Africa. Lt. Col. Murema was tasked to support the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria and to liaise closely with South African security agencies during the evacuation process.
The exercise continues to be coordinated by the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria under H.E. Amb. Paul Amoru. The Mission has been working closely with the Government of South Africa and with the Confederation of Ugandans in Southern Africa (COUSA), led by Chairman Moses Kibombo, who was also on the third flight.
During this latest evacuation, the High Commissioner was represented by Foreign Service Officer Richard Bob Opio, who accompanied the returnees from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Entebbe.
Amb. Amoru noted that the cooperation between Kampala and Pretoria has been critical in ensuring the process remains smooth, dignified and in line with the laws of both countries.
More Ugandans Awaiting Return
Officials say the need for evacuation remains. There are currently close to 600 Ugandan nationals registered in Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town who have requested assistance to return home.
To address this, the Government has scheduled additional repatriation flights for Monday and Wednesday this week. The High Commission emphasized that the programme is voluntary and prioritizes vulnerable persons, students, and workers affected by prevailing conditions in South Africa.
Bilateral Relations Remain Cordial
In the statement, H.E. Amb. Paul Amoru reaffirmed that Uganda and South Africa continue to enjoy warm and cordial bilateral relations.
“Both Governments are working closely through diplomatic channels to ensure the repatriation exercise is conducted smoothly and in full respect of the laws of both countries,” the statement read.
The repatriation drive comes at a time when Uganda is strengthening consular services for its citizens abroad. With over 20.3 million smartphones and increased mobility across Africa, officials say timely communication and evacuation plans are now central to protecting Ugandans in the diaspora.
With 564 citizens already home and more flights planned, the Government says it remains committed to ensuring that every Ugandan who wishes to return does so safely, orderly and with dignity.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Ugandans in South Africa to register with the High Commission in Pretoria for updates on the upcoming flights.
