The Government of Uganda has received a third group of 255 Ugandan nationals evacuated from South Africa following recent anti-migrant protests and xenophobic attacks.

The returnees arrived at Entebbe International Airport, where they were received by Foreign Service Officer Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking during the reception, Ambassador Ogwang said the successful evacuation reflected the government's commitment to protecting Ugandans living abroad.

He said the exercise was guided by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's directive that the safety and welfare of Ugandan citizens remain a priority.

Ambassador Ogwang commended the Deputy Operations Commander of the Special Forces Command, Lt Col Frank Murema, for working closely with Uganda's High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Omoru, to coordinate the evacuation.

He also recognised the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, for his contribution on behalf of the Office of the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

According to Ambassador Ogwang, the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Special Forces Command provided operational planning and strategic support that enabled the evacuation mission to be carried out successfully.

He described the operation as an example of effective inter-agency collaboration between diplomatic and defence institutions in protecting Ugandan citizens abroad.

Addressing the returnees, Col Magezi urged Ugandans who remain in South Africa to register for evacuation, noting that many are still in hiding following the attacks.

He said Uganda's economy has grown significantly over the past two decades and now offers opportunities for returning citizens, including government wealth creation programmes.

Col Magezi also assured the returnees that the government would support their reintegration. He said those who lost their livelihoods during the attacks would receive appropriate government assistance and would have an opportunity to present their concerns to the President.

The President General of the Confederation of Uganda in Southern Africa (COUSA), Moses Kibombo Ssentongo, thanked the Government for facilitating the safe return of stranded Ugandans.

He appealed for the evacuation programme to continue, saying many more Ugandans were still seeking assistance to return home.

Kibombo said about 1,200 Ugandans had already registered for repatriation and were awaiting evacuation as unrest continued.

COUSA General Secretary Ashraf Kwiri also commended the Government for responding to appeals from affected Ugandans.

He said many of the returnees had lost businesses, jobs and property during the attacks, including teachers, mechanics, doctors, hairdressers and business owners.

Kwiri also thanked the Government for assisting all affected Ugandans regardless of their political affiliation.

Among those present at the reception were the Director of Political Commissariat at the Special Forces Command, Col Moses Musinguzi, Deputy Operations Commander of the Special Forces Command Lt Col Frank Murema and other government officials.