Mission Accomplished: Ambassador Amoru leads 273 Ugandans home from xenophobic South Africa

Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Paul Amoru, returned home on Friday alongside the first batch of 273 Ugandans evacuated from xenophobic violence in South Africa, drawing praise from government leaders for successfully coordinating the complex rescue operation.

The returnees landed at Entebbe International Airport aboard a chartered flight, where they were received by Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kyeyune.

Kyeyune described the arrival as a major milestone in the government’s efforts to safeguard Ugandans caught up in the recent violence in South Africa.

“I commend our Embassy in South Africa, together with all the government agencies and partners involved, for their dedication, professionalism and coordinated efforts in making this operation possible,” the minister said.

He added that the government remains committed to ensuring the safe return of all Ugandans still wishing to leave South Africa, noting that the evacuation exercise is ongoing.

Amoru, who has spent the past week overseeing the operation on the ground, said the safety and well-being of Ugandan nationals remained the embassy’s foremost priority throughout the crisis.

He credited the success of the evacuation to close coordination between the Ugandan Embassy, South African authorities and Uganda’s security agencies.

The ambassador also paid special tribute to Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for deploying a dedicated Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) team to Pretoria to support the mission.

“Their presence enabled us to undertake scenario planning, strengthen coordination and enhance the security arrangements surrounding this voluntary evacuation exercise,” Amoru said.

The Ugandan government established four evacuation centres across South Africa to register and process citizens seeking to return home after xenophobic attacks forced many to flee their homes, workplaces and businesses.

Officials said more evacuation flights are expected as the government continues assisting Ugandans who remain stranded in different parts of South Africa.