Uganda has completed the first phase of repatriating 1,102 nationals from South Africa following xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests.

The final evacuation flight arrived in Kampala on Thursday.

The last chartered flight, carrying 219 evacuees from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, landed at Entebbe International Airport, marking the conclusion of the first phase of the operation.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Ugandan embassy in South Africa said, “The arrival marks the successful conclusion of phase one of the government of Uganda’s voluntary repatriation exercise.”

The embassy added that “1,102 Ugandan nationals safely returned home through six evacuation flights coordinated between Uganda and South Africa,’’ highlighting the scale and coordination of the government-backed evacuation effort.

The Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the repatriation exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, ensuring the safe return of affected citizens from South Africa.

Uganda Airlines, the national carrier, alongside other partners, supported the operation following a directive by President Yoweri Museveni to protect citizens affected by the unrest and insecurity abroad.

The government said returnees would undergo a training programme at the Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute in central Uganda to acquire skills and a mindset necessary for successful reintegration into society.

(Xinhua/NAN)