ENTEBBE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, UGANDA – A solemn yet reassuring atmosphere enveloped Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday night as the fifth charter flightcarrying Ugandan nationals evacuated from South Africa landed safely, marking another significant milestone in the Government of Uganda's ongoing humanitarian evacuation operation.
The latest flight brought home 153 Ugandan citizens who voluntarily returned after fleeing the recent wave of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in several parts of South Africa. While the safe return of the evacuees was a moment of relief and hope, the homecoming was overshadowed by profound grief as the aircraft also carried the remains of Ronald Nsiima, a 26-year-old Ugandan from Namisindwa District whose life was tragically cut short during the violence.
Ronald Nsiima is among the three Ugandan nationals confirmed to have lost their lives in the recent attacks.
Receiving the returnees at Entebbe International Airport was a high-level Government delegation led by Ambassador Dickson Ogwang, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of the Republic of Uganda on behalf of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
He was joined by senior officials from Uganda's security and defence establishments, including Col. Moses Musinguzi, Director of Political Commissariat at UPDF Headquarters; Col. Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information; and Lt. Col. Frank Murema Deputy Director Operations of the Special Forces Command, who has played a central role in coordinating the humanitarian air bridge between Kampala and Pretoria.
Welcoming the returnees, Ambassador Ogwang reaffirmed the Government's unwavering commitment to the protection and welfare of Ugandan citizens wherever they may be.
"Today you return not simply as passengers, but as cherished citizens of the Republic of Uganda. Your safety, dignity, and well-being have remained our highest priority throughout this difficult period, and we are grateful that you are finally home."
The emotional atmosphere deepened as the casket bearing Ronald Nsiima was respectfully received by Government officials before being handed over to his grieving family.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Ogwang called for a moment of silence in honour of the Ugandans who lost their lives.
"While we celebrate the safe return of our compatriots, we also mourn the painful loss of fellow Ugandans whose lives were tragically cut short. On behalf of the Government and the people of Uganda, we extend our deepest condolences to their families. Their loss is a loss to the entire nation."
As part of the Government's immediate humanitarian response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of His Excellency the President presented UGX 30 million in emergency condolence support to the families of the three deceased Ugandans to facilitate dignified burial arrangements and provide immediate assistance during their time of bereavement.
Government officials emphasized that the latest arrival represents the fifth successful evacuation flight under the ongoing humanitarian operation. Since the commencement of the exercise, hundreds of Ugandan nationals have been safely repatriated from South Africa, with additional charter flights continuing as required to facilitate the voluntary return of registered citizens wishing to come home.
The evacuation operation remains one of the largest humanitarian repatriation exercises undertaken by Uganda in recent years and has involved close coordination among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda's High Commission in Pretoria, the Uganda People's Defence Forces, immigration authorities, health officials, and several other Government agencies.
The operation has also received the full support of the Government's leadership, with continuous coordination across the Executive, Parliament, and Uganda's security institutions to ensure the safety and welfare of Ugandan nationals affected by the crisis.
For many of the returnees, stepping onto Ugandan soil marked the end of weeks of fear, uncertainty, and displacement. Many had been compelled to abandon businesses, employment, homes, and personal belongings in order to escape the escalating violence.
To support their recovery and reintegration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Diaspora Department, in collaboration with the Office of the President, established a comprehensive reception and reintegration program at Entebbe International Airport before transitioning to the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi for further engagement and rehabilitation. The program provides immigration facilitation, medical screening, psychosocial support, temporary assistance, and longer-term reintegration services to help returnees rebuild their lives.
Addressing the evacuees, Ambassador Ogwang encouraged them to look to the future with hope and confidence.
"The journey you have endured has been marked by anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Today, that difficult chapter comes to an end. Stand tall, knowing that you are safe, you are valued, and you are finally home. Uganda will continue to stand with you as you rebuild your lives."
Government officials also paid tribute to the diplomatic and consular teams whose tireless efforts made the evacuation exercise possible, particularly the staff of Uganda's High Commission in Pretoria, including the Consular Officer who accompanied the fligh, Ms. Anita Agaba, whose continuous engagement with South African authorities and affected Ugandan communities was instrumental in coordinating the safe departure of the evacuees.
As the humanitarian operation continues, the Government of Uganda has reaffirmed its enduring commitment to protecting its citizens wherever they may be. The successful arrival of the fifth evacuation flight demonstrates Uganda's unwavering resolve to safeguard the welfare, dignity, and security of its nationals abroad and sends a clear message that no Ugandan in distress will be left behind.
