Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda has called upon Ugandans still stuck in the troubled South Sudan to remain calm as government comes up with a plan for them.
More than 20,000 Ugandans including nationals from other countries were safely evacuated from South Sudan by the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) early this week. Reports however indicate that thousands more especially those who were not in and around the capital Juba at the time of the evacuation are still trapped in the volatile country.
“If there is any country in the world that has done a commendable work is South Sudan to rescue her citizens and those of other countries, it is Uganda and we should be saluted and not accused of failing to evacuate those that we did not,” he said.
Referring to the success of the evacuation mission, Rugunda noted, “The emergencies were effectively handled and most of the people have gone to their respective homes and the camp has now been closed.”
“We are fully aware that there are still some Ugandans and people from other countries who are still trapped in different remote areas and require support. The government of Uganda is working hand in hand with the government of South Sudan and the international community to ensure that those that need support will be attended to in a manner that is practical and possible,” the Minister remarked.
This however revealed that government doesn’t intend to launch another evacuation operation by the UPDF to rescue more Ugandans stuck in South Sudan.
“Before the evacuation, Ugandans who were living and working in South Sudan were given secure directions and emergency numbers in order to get in areas that were designated as evacuation centers.”