Ugandans in south Sudan and their relatives here at home have smiled with hope that they will return home safely after the president ordered their evacuation from the violence prone country.
President made the decision this morning and ordered that the UPDF evacuates Ugandans in Nisitu, East of River Nile South Sudan by road.
Government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo passed on the communication to the media that; “President Museveni has ordered the evacuation of Ugandans in Nisitu, east of R. Nile South Sudan by road.”
Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda says they will not deploy in South Sudan, but the military will just secure and evacuate Ugandans as directed by the commander in chief.
“UPDF to conduct safe evacuation for Ugandans trapped in south Sudan. UPDF will not deploy in Juba. Few troops to secure movement of evacuated civilians” Ankunda tweeted.
This comes after most countries including the US evacuated their nationals for fear of them being killed in the fresh attacks that have left hundreds of people dead and thousands displaced.
Last evening, South Sudan President Salva Kiir called for a ceasefire after days of clashes with former rebels in the capital, Juba.
The Ugandan border in Nimule has also been closed and business men are not allowed to enter S. Sudan from Uganda until the situation is calm. UPDF has enhanced security along the border, according to Lt. Col. Ankunda.
The minister of trade, Hon. Amelia Kyambadde told the media in Kampala this morning that they are yet to receive a comprehensive report on the status of Ugandans in Juba. The police has so far confirmed the death of two Ugandans, though some unconfirmed reports indicate that the number has since increased.
Uganda exports cereals, milling products, sugar, iron, steel, cement, beers soft drinks to South Sudan. According to Kyambadde, South Sudan became Uganda's leading export destination in 2008 following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
The consistent war means losses to the business community.
A phone line has also been opened for Ugandans stuck in South Sudan to call for any assistance and evacuation. The number is +211-925-287-500.
