The first batch of refugees from Afghanistan fleeing from their politically ravaged country has today, Wednesday morning arrived in Uganda ‘where they will stay temporarily’.
A group of 51 evacuees aboard a privately chartered flight landed at Entebbe International Airport at 6 am and was received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials and their counterparts from the US Embassy in Uganda.
A statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs can confirm that the refugees were screened and tested for Covid-19 at arrival.
“The evacuees who included men, women and children underwent the necessary security screening as well as the mandatory Covid-19 testing and the required quarantine procedures.”
The Ministry also says there is a need for the people complaining about the Afghans can only be informed by the government as per the country’s policy on receiving people in distress.
“The decision to those in need is informed by the government of Uganda’s consistent policy of receiving refugees and persons in distress as well as playing a responsible role in matters of international concern.”
Brian George, the U.S. Mission head of Public Affairs, expressed appreciation for Uganda’s generosity.
“The government of Uganda has once again demonstrated a willingness to play its part in matters of international concern. We commend its efforts and those of the local and international organisations in Uganda who are providing humanitarian support in partnership with the government for the evacuees from Afghanistan,” he said.
Afghans were forced to flee the country over two weeks ago after a Militant group, the Taliban seized power in the country. It is reported that most have left their belongings home and forced to flee with nothing but just simple stuff like briefcases.
“But it’s not just the country they are leaving. They are leaving behind the life they lived, and for the young educated generation, the life they built up, the dreams they cherished over 20 years,” BBC reported.
Uganda is currently home to over 1.5 million refugees from most neighbouring countries including South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo who are running away from conflicts in their home countries.
Government recently said that after a call from officials from the US government, President Museveni welcomed the move to host temporarily over 2000 Afghan refugees who were fleeing their country.
