ENTEBBE — Another 153 Ugandan nationals evacuated from South Africa have arrived home as the government continues its voluntary repatriation exercise following a wave of anti-migrant violence that has left Ugandans dead and others displaced.
The evacuees arrived at Entebbe International Airport at 11:45pm on Wednesday aboard a special flight from Cape Town.
The flight also transported the remains of Ronald Nsiima, 26, from Namisindwa District, one of three Ugandans confirmed to have been killed during recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
The returnees were received by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by Ambassador Dickson Ogwang, alongside Col. Chris Magezi, who represented Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).
Ogwang described the arrival as an emotional moment, as the country welcomed back citizens who escaped the violence while mourning those who lost their lives.
"A somber mood hung over Entebbe Airport as we received 153 Ugandan evacuees alongside the remains of Ronald Nsiima, one of three Ugandans killed in the ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa," Ogwang said.
He added that the government had provided Shs30 million in condolence support to the family of Nsiima on behalf of President Museveni to assist with burial arrangements.
"We pray for eternal rest for our departed brothers," he said.
The latest group brings the number of Ugandans evacuated under the ongoing operation closer to the government's target as authorities work to repatriate all those who registered for assistance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said another 265 Ugandan nationals are expected to arrive on Thursday, completing the first phase of the planned voluntary evacuation of about 1,200 Ugandans who registered to return home.
Among the officials who received the evacuees were Col. M. Musinguzi from the Office of the Chief of Defence Forces, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs Ambassador Hajj Abbey Walusimbi, and officials from Uganda's High Commission in Pretoria.
The government says the evacuation remains a priority following the escalation of anti-foreign protests in parts of South Africa, which have resulted in deaths, injuries and displacement among migrant communities.
The matter was also raised in Parliament on Wednesday, where government officials assured legislators that rescue and repatriation efforts were being coordinated to ensure the safe return of Ugandans who wish to leave affected areas.
Authorities have urged Ugandans still in affected parts of South Africa to remain in contact with Uganda's diplomatic mission in Pretoria and follow official guidance as the evacuation exercise continues.