150 refugees repatriated as peace returns to Sudan

At least 150 Sudanese nationals (refugees) have been voluntarily repatriated from Uganda to Sudan as the security situation in their home country improves, with more than 1,000 targeted to return in a continuous exercise.

The repatriation exercise comes after the August 13 government recommendations, through the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Mr Sam Engola, who urged refugees to return to their countries where peace and security have been restored, amid the declining humanitarian funding.

On Saturday, carrying their luggage, happy Sudanese families, including elderly people, students and children, gathered at the Sudanese-Uganda Friendship School in Mengo, Rubaga, in Kampala, prepared to be taken to Entebbe International Airport before travelling to Khartoum International Airport, leaving Uganda after spending months in exile.

The Sudanese refugees fled to Uganda following the break out of war in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in early 2023.

Speaking to this publication on Saturday, Mr Suleiman Ayman, the Diplomatic Consul at the Sudanese Embassy in Uganda, said the 150 returnees were part of a wider voluntary repatriation programme targeting more than 1,300 Sudanese refugees.

Ayman said the improving security situation, particularly following the Sudanese army’s recapture of Khartoum from rebel forces and Uganda’s government intervention, encouraged refugees to consider returning home.

“The situation in Sudan is improving, especially after the takeover of Khartoum by the national army from the rebel groups,” he said. “Now life has become normal, so our people requested to go back home and continue with their normal life.”

However, Ayman said Sudanese nationals involved in agriculture, health, education and other businesses would remain in Uganda for the time being, describing their continued presence as important to the two countries’ bilateral relations.

He applauded the government for the reception and facilitating the repatriation exercise, stating that the Sudanese community is grateful to Uganda for providing refuge during the conflict.

Engola also said at least 17,458 Burundian refugees have registered for voluntary return to Burundi, even as Uganda continues to receive people fleeing conflicts elsewhere.

Damien Nyabenda, the chairperson of the Burundian Refugee Community in Uganda, supported voluntary repatriation but called for stronger safeguards to ensure refugees are not forced to return to situations where they remain at risk.

He said some refugees may still face political, security or protection concerns in their countries of origin, including threats, harassment and violence.

Patrick Okello, the Commissioner for Refugees Office at the Office of the Prime Minister, said in 2015, when Uganda had a total of 500,000 refugees, it received $490 million; it dropped to $371 million in 2024, when the number of refugees hit 1.7 million.

In 2025, with 1.95 million refugees, the funding further dropped to $350 million, and in 2026, with more than two million refugees, they anticipate the funds will drop to $165 million.