The Ugandan government has successfully concluded its landmark evacuation mission from South Africa, with the sixth and final cohort of 219 citizens arriving home today . This brings the total number of evacuees to 1,102—marking the largest airlifting evacuation in the nation's history.
The operation, which unfolded against the backdrop of escalating anti-migrant violence and vigilante threats in South Africa, saw Ugandans transported via specially chartered Uganda Airlines flights . Ambassador Paul Amoru and community leader Chairman Kibomboli escorted the final group, confirming the safe return of all registered evacuees .
"It is done. Our people are finally safe," said Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul, who has chronicled Uganda's diplomatic evolution in his recent book Uganda Since 1986 . "The mandate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is clear—to protect Ugandan interests abroad. Our Diaspora is our supreme interest."
The evacuation was triggered by a June 30 deadline issued by vigilante groups demanding foreign nationals leave South Africa . The situation turned tragic when a Ugandan national, Wilber Niwamanya, was killed in an attack in KwaZulu-Natal Province . His body is being repatriated with government support.
President Yoweri Museveni directed the evacuation, which involved coordination across multiple government agencies, including the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Works and Transport . Uganda established four evacuation centers in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban to facilitate the safe assembly and processing of citizens .
The government has committed to supporting returnees through reintegration and skills training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi. "We are investing in your reintegration and skilling to leverage your talents for our economy," Ambassador Ogwang stated.
The evacuation aligns with Uganda's broader push to formalize diaspora engagement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is finalizing the National Diaspora Policy 2026, designed to transform remittances—currently exceeding $2.5 billion annually—into structured investments in priority sectors like agribusiness, ICT, tourism, and real estate .
This operation builds on Uganda's track record of protecting its citizens abroad, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The hunter's home may be small, but it is where he finds peace," Ambassador Ogwang said, quoting an African proverb. "Uganda never abandons her own. We did it during COVID-19, we have done it now, and we will do it again whenever our people are in distress."
The successful conclusion of the evacuation stands as a testament to government coordination and commitment to Ugandans everywhere . Ambassador Ogwang extended gratitude to President Museveni, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Prime Minister's Office, and all ministries for their seamless collaboration.
"For God and My Country!" he concluded.
