Uganda to evacuate 275 nationals trapped in Sudanese military hostilities

Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs is working to evacuate 275 nationals trapped in the deadly military clashes in Sudan, a top official said on Wednesday.

John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of regional cooperation, told Xinhua by telephone that the government has contacted the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to assist in the evacuation of Ugandan workers, students, patients and nationals on transit in the country.

He said there are 120 Ugandans working in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, 116 students, 14 patients in hospitals, six citizens on short visits, and 19 Muslim travelers on transit to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for the Ramadan pilgrimage.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approached the IOM and requested support and assistance to evacuate Ugandans who may wish to return home,’’ said Mulimba, who briefed the parliament on the government’s plans to evacuate its citizens.

Sudan continues to witness armed clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum and other areas outside the capital since April 15, with the two sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict.