- First batch of 51 evacuees now in the country
- Arrival follows agreement between US and GOU
- Uganda is Africa's largest refugee host country
Following the takeover of government by the notorious Taliban fighter, 51 Afghanistan refugees fleeing the turmoil in the country have arrived in Uganda. This is the first batch of Afghan nationals to be evacuated by the United States.
Uganda recently agreed to host the evacuees from Afghanistan who are in transit to the United States and other destination on a temporally basis. This follows a request by the United States to the Ugandan government t to accept the refugees.
The group arrived at Entebbe International airport this morning aboard a privately chartered flight from Kabul
According to statement from the ministry of Internal Affairs, these men, women and children underwent thorough security check up as well as COVID19 testing before being taken for the mandatory quarantined at Imperial Resort hotel in Entebbe.
“The decision to host 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” reads part of the statement.
The United States expressed gratitude to the government of Uganda and the Ugandan people for their generosity and hospitality.
The country is known for its long tradition of welcoming refugees and other communities in need.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the US embassy in Kampala, “the Government of Uganda has once again demonstrated a willingness to play its parts in matters of international concern, we commend its efforts and those of local and international organisations in Uganda who are providing humanitarian support for these evacuees from Afghanistan”
Uganda hosts 1.4 million refugees, making it Africa’s largest refugee host country and fourth world over.