Sudanese Refugees Arrive in Port Sudan Today from Uganda

150 Sudanese refugees arrived at Port Sudan Airport this morning from Uganda, part of a group of approximately 93,000 repatriated under the voluntary return program, according to the Sudan News Agency.

The arrivals were received by Ms. Sumaya Al-Hadi Ahmed, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Information, Tourism and Antiquities; Ambassador Onur Ahmed, Director of the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Abdul Rahman Sayed Ahmed, Secretary General of the Sudanese Expatriates Affairs Authority; and Major General (Rtd) Abdul Karim Yusuf Yaqoub, Head of the Higher Committee for Voluntary Return in Uganda.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Tourism, Sumaya Al-Hadi, stated that this flight was the first of its kind for Sudanese refugees arriving from Uganda, and that further flights would follow. She added that this return is a positive indicator of the security and stability the country is experiencing. She noted that most of those arriving on the flight wished to return directly to the capital, Khartoum, demonstrating that the capital is now fully prepared to receive them.

Sumaya highlighted the significant efforts and coordination among the relevant authorities to ensure the success of the flight. She also mentioned their close monitoring of the High Committee and the Sudanese Embassy in Kampala, emphasizing the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Tourism’s commitment to promoting such flights to encourage other refugees abroad to return voluntarily, given the security and stability the country is currently enjoying.

Sumaya conveyed a message to refugees and internally displaced persons that Khartoum is now ready to welcome citizens from both inside and outside the country.

She expressed her gratitude to the Sudanese Embassy in Uganda and the High Committee for Voluntary Return. Sumaya stated that numerous flights would follow to bring back more refugees from other countries, particularly Libya. She emphasized that this return is a sign of the security and stability the country has long sought.

For his part, the head of the committee, Major General Abdel Karim Youssef Yaqoub, said that the flight carried 150 Sudanese refugees and was the first from Uganda, with more flights to follow.

He noted the joy and happiness evident on the faces of those returning home.

He added that the number of officially registered refugees in Uganda is 93,000, and that there are thousands more unregistered, most of whom wish to return to Sudan. Musa expressed his gratitude to the Sudanese government and its various agencies for their attention to refugee affairs and for removing all obstacles to voluntary return. He also thanked the Ugandan government and people for hosting Sudanese refugees, allowing them to conduct business and work freely, and for the kind treatment they receive.