The Uganda government has revealed that 13 Ugandans will be repatriated from the United States of America and other countries, quashing social media rumors that it is favouring tycoon Ben Kavuya’s family.
On Friday, government spokesperson, Ofwono Opondo (pictured), issued a statement explaining the process of repatriation, revealing that it has been work in progress.
“Our attention has been drawn to media queries on how some Ugandans have been cleared to return home when Entebbe International Airport is shut down and Uganda is under COVID-19 lock down,” Ofwono’s statement reads in part.
It adds, “This is to explain that a while ago, parliament and Ugandans at large asked government through the ministry of foreign affairs to explain the status of Ugandans stranded abroad. It is therefore in that light that the minister of foreign affairs, after a wide consultation including with the Ministry of Health, has cleared the following people, in a gradual and controlled process to return home and be quarantined at their own cost.”
Ofwono’s statement followed a misconception by the public that Kutesa has given special treatment to tycoon Kavuya and his family.
The government spokesperson also listed 13 other people who will have the opportunity to return home from the US, contrary to what the public had taken that the businessman had been granted special treatment.
They include; Barbara Kavya, Blanche Kanaju, Isaiah Tiba Byabashaija, Kagoya Hassifa, Prof Oswald Ndoleriire Kyamulesire, Wadulo Denis, Ojakol Ernest and Ajoan Julius.
The others are; Obuku Andrew Ekii, Naiga Vivienne, Namuli Susan, Walusansa Samuel and Mugisha Leens Bernard.
According to Ofwono, government used the opportunity that an Ethiopian Airline flight was coming to bring the Ugandans stranded in Adis Ababa.
He also revealed that cabinet will sit on Monday to come up with a comprehensive policy on how to safely return stranded Ugandans.
On March 18, President Yoweri Museveni announced the closure of the country’s airport and borders to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the country. He followed the closure by announcing a nationwide lock down, something that left a number of Ugandans stranded abroad.
However, it appears their prayers to return home are being answered, according to Ofwono.
