KAMPALA – The Government of Uganda has confirmed the safe arrival of the first batch of 273 Ugandan nationals, who have returned home from South Africa under the State’s ongoing voluntary repatriation programme.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The development was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kasolo, on Friday, July 3, 2026, following the government’s earlier announced plans for a Major Evacuation Effort of its citizens.
The first group of 273 Ugandan returnees, including 255 adults and 18 infants, arrived at Entebbe International Airport on July 3, 2026, aboard a government-chartered flight.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Paul Amoru, accompanied the returnees, who were received by a high-level government delegation at the airport.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kasolo, led the reception team, which included Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, and officials from various ministries and government agencies.
Kasolo hailed the arrival as a significant achievement in safeguarding Ugandans affected by recent events in South Africa and praised the embassy and partners for their professionalism and coordination in executing the operation.
“This marks a key milestone in ensuring the safe return of Ugandans affected by recent events in South Africa. I commend our Embassy, government agencies, and partners for their dedication, professionalism, and coordination in making this operation possible,” Kasolo declared.
The evacuation, ordered by President Museveni, was launched in response to escalating xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests in South Africa.
As of late June, 746 Ugandans had voluntarily registered for evacuation, though government officials expect that number to grow to over 1,200 by July 1 as more citizens sought assisted return.
Minister Kasolo reassured the nation that the evacuation exercise remains ongoing, with the government fully committed to the safety and well-being of all Ugandans until every citizen is served.
“As we welcome home the first group of our compatriots, I wish to reassure all Ugandans that the evacuation exercise remains ongoing. The Government of Uganda remains fully committed to the safety and well-being of its citizens and we will continue to serve tirelessly,” Kasolo affirmed.
The repatriation is being conducted through close cooperation between Uganda and South Africa. Uganda Airlines is operating special charter flights funded entirely by the Ugandan government.
Earlier, Kasolo met with Mr. Kagiso Mosoane, Chargé d’Affaires of the South African Embassy in Uganda, for a courtesy call ; their discussions focused on the welfare and safety of Ugandan nationals in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the High Commissioner, Paul Omiat Amoru, confirmed all preparations, including evacuation centres and clearance procedures, were ready for the returnees in coordination with both governments.
The evacuation comes amid rising anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, including a reported June 30, 2026, deadline issued by vigilante groups targeting foreign nationals.
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