A group of 273 Ugandan nationals returned to Uganda from South Africa on a chartered flight that landed at Entebbe International Airport. This repatriation was initiated in response to the xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests in South Africa. The move came following a directive from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to ensure the safety and well-being of Ugandan citizens.
The Uganda Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that more repatriation flights are being organized to bring back Ugandan nationals from South Africa. Ugandan Ambassador to South Africa Paul Amoru mentioned that additional flights are being arranged. The second flight with 35 evacuees was set to depart on Friday morning, while a third flight carrying 114 Ugandan nationals was scheduled for the afternoon.
Authorities in South Africa reported that over 35,000 individuals have been processed through voluntary repatriation and deportation operations at Beitbridge Border Post in Limpopo Province. Acting Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, David Chilembe, highlighted that the majority of those processed were Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals. He mentioned that the government has been intensifying migration enforcement measures since early June.
