Last Updated on: 19th May 2020, 04:42 pm
Despite President Museveni last night telling Ugandans that government is yet to consider a plan to bring back Ugandans stranded abroad, TND News can confirm that 13 Ugandans jetted into the country last night.
“I have been told that there are only 2500 Ugandans who are stranded abroad,” Museveni told Ugandans last night in his 14th televised address.
The 13 landed at 7:30 pm at Entebbe International Airport en route from Addis Ababa aboard Ethiopian Airlines.
The returnees have been identified as Bernard Mugisha, Samuel Walusana an official with IGAD, Dr Andrew Obuku Ekii of Uganda Virus Research Institute, Ernest Ojakol and Denis Wodulo Leens, a UN officer,
Others are: A Makerere University Professor Oswald Ndoleriire, Hassifa Kagoya, Susan Namuli and Vivienne Naiga, Barbra Kavuya, Blanche Kibaju and Isaiah Tiba Byabashaija, who are family members of businessman Ben Kavuya of Legacy Group.
This is despite the pressure and widespread social criticism on Mr Sam Kutesa Kahamba, the Foreign Affairs Minister,
Mr Kuteesa was blamed for endorsing the repatriation of the family of Kavuy which was contravening the President’s directives on the closure of airports as one measure to combat the spread of COVID-19.
A source from the Ministry of Health, who preferred anonymity, says that they tested the 13 Ugandans at the airport immediately after their return and later quarantined in two unidentified hotels in Kampala.
Also read: Over 170 Ugandans stranded in Abu Dhabi to be flown back
Last week, the government announced that it will soon conclude on the process to allow Ugandans stranded abroad to return home as it moves to ease the COVID-19 lockdown.
However, addressing the nation on Monday, President Museveni said that only 2,500 Ugandans have expressed interest to return home. He also said that the government is not ready to manage them after their return.
Uganda’s legislators a fortnight ago renewed calls for repatriation of Ugandans stranded abroad following the outbreak of COVID-19.
They urged the government to emulate other East African countries who have repatriated their citizens.
Meanwhile, singer Eddy Kenzo has seen his efforts to jet back into the country frustrated by government.