The first batch of Ugandan nationals evacuated from South Africa has returned home as the Government of Uganda begins a coordinated repatriation exercise following recent anti-migrant violence and xenophobic attacks in the southern African nation.

A special Uganda Airlines charter flight carrying 260 evacuees was scheduled to arrive at Entebbe International Airport on the night of July 2, marking the beginning of a government-led operation to bring affected Ugandans back to safety.

The evacuation follows a directive issued by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni after concerns over the safety and welfare of Ugandan nationals living and working in South Africa amid reports of renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals.

The repatriation exercise is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria, and leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa.

Uganda Airlines is operating the special charter flights, with the entire evacuation exercise fully funded by the Government of Uganda.

Officials said the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria has played a central role in coordinating the operation by registering evacuees, setting up safe assembly centres, and issuing emergency travel documents to Ugandans who lacked valid travel documentation.

Speaking on the ongoing evacuation, Paul Amoru confirmed that additional charter flights have been scheduled to accommodate more Ugandans wishing to return home.

According to the evacuation programme, the second flight is expected to depart South Africa at 3:00am on Friday and arrive at Entebbe International Airport at 8:15am carrying 35 evacuees.

A third charter flight is scheduled to depart later the same day at 1:00pm and land in Uganda at 7:00pm with another 114 Ugandan nationals on board.

Government officials said the phased evacuation is intended to ensure the safe and orderly return of Ugandans affected by the unrest while allowing authorities to process and support returnees upon arrival.

The latest operation comes amid renewed concerns over sporadic xenophobic incidents in South Africa, where foreign nationals have occasionally been targeted during outbreaks of violence linked to crime, unemployment, and social tensions.

Ugandan authorities have urged citizens still in South Africa to remain in contact with the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria for guidance and assistance. The mission continues to register those seeking repatriation while monitoring the evolving security situation.

The Government of Uganda also says it remains in active engagement with South African authorities to ensure the protection of Ugandan nationals who have chosen to remain in the country and to facilitate any further evacuations should the need arise.

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