COVID19: Ugandans Stranded in UK, Ireland Evacuated

The Ugandan High Commission in London has seen off 92 Ugandans and legal residents who have been stranded in the United Kingdom and Ireland following closure of Entebbe international airport to passenger flights on 22 March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

They join hundreds of other Ugandans who have been assisted by government to return home.

More than 1.9 million Ugandans, according to President Museveni, live abroad.

About 170,000 Ugandans live in North America (USA and Canada), 558,982 in Europe, 138,200 in the Middle East, 1.1 million in Southern Africa, 250 in Nigeria, 400 in Algeria, 2,500 in China among others.

The High Commission said it registered many stranded Ugandans in the United Kingdom and Ireland and coordinated their return aboard Ethiopian Airlines which is expected to arrive at Entebbe on 2 July 2020 at 5.00 p.m.

Among the Ugandans returning from United Kingdom are notable personalities including His Royal Highness Rwot David Onen Acana II, the Acholi Paramount Chief and Professor Francis Omaswa.

There are also students, businesspeople and other categories of persons who had travelled to the United Kingdom for various reasons.

After fulfilling standard procedures issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, the Ugandans were seen off at London Heathrow Airport by Uganda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Julius Peter Moto accompanied by Mission staff.

“I thank Ugandans and legal residents for their patience during the difficult times they have endured as a result of the pandemic and wished them a safe journey,” said Amb Moto.