Launch of Kuwaiti project for the return of Sudanese refugees from Uganda to their homeland
The first flights of the voluntary return project for Sudanese refugees in Uganda have launched, marking the beginning of the first phase of the initiative implemented by the Kuwaiti Direct Aid Society under the supervision of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Sudan. The project aims to repatriate more than 1,000 refugees to their homeland within a month and a half, at a total cost of 300,000 dinars.
Speaking to KUNA, Kuwait’s Ambassador to Sudan, Dr. Fahad Al-Zafiri, stated that the project is being carried out under the guidance of the wise political leadership, through cooperation between the embassy, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Kuwaiti Direct Aid Society. This effort continues Kuwait’s humanitarian role in supporting the Sudanese people and mitigating the consequences of the war that has been raging since April 2023.
Al-Zafiri emphasized that this is the first project of its kind, serving as a practical model for contributing to the reunification of families separated by war. It also responds to an urgent humanitarian necessity driven by the harsh conditions of exile in Uganda. He extended his gratitude to the Direct Aid Society, noting that the initiative has received warm welcome and appreciation from the Sudanese government and people. This is seen as an extension of Kuwait’s humanitarian role toward its brothers in Sudan, with the Sudanese government pledging all necessary facilitations to ensure its success, thereby setting an example and encouraging other humanitarian organizations to support voluntary return programs.
For his part, Dr. Abdullah Al-Samit, Secretary-General of the Direct Aid Society, affirmed that continuous support from the Kuwaiti government and the trust of donors enabled the society to respond swiftly to one of the most severe ongoing humanitarian crises. Al-Samit explained that the gradual recovery of some Sudanese cities from the war’s effects, coupled with the growing desire of refugees in Uganda to return and the agreement of both governments to support the project, made it a crucial step at this stage. He considered safe voluntary return a direct contributor to recovery and reconstruction.
In this regard, he noted that the society provided comprehensive financial and operational support enabling the return of over 1,000 refugees. This included covering flight tickets, logistical arrangements, travel documents, and coordination with the governments of both countries and the Kuwaiti Embassy, following an organized sequence that safeguards the dignity and safety of beneficiaries until their arrival.
Al-Samit clarified that the first phase of the voluntary return project for Sudanese refugees is scalable and integrates with the society’s broader relief program in Sudan. However, the scale of need exceeds available capacities. He called on donor agencies, governments, and international partners to increase support, emphasizing that the availability of resources and partnerships will enable the project’s expansion in the future.
In a related development, Ambassador Onor Ahmed, Chairman of the Governmental High Committee for the Voluntary Return of Sudanese Abroad, stated that the project falls within broader government efforts to enhance stability, support recovery, and rebuild infrastructure, backed by the Kuwaiti Direct Aid Society.
Ahmed noted that the number of Sudanese refugees in Uganda is estimated at around 95,000. He explained that air travel represents the only safe option due to the absence of suitable land routes. Fulfilling everyone’s desire to return may require thousands of flights at a cost of $400 per ticket, despite discounts of 25% offered by two Sudanese airlines, making funding the primary challenge to expanding the program.
He clarified that beneficiaries are selected through a joint mechanism based on criteria prioritizing children, the elderly, the sick, and cases of family reunification.
He stressed that voluntary return is part of the recovery and development pathway, calling on humanitarian and international organizations to support and expand return programs. He praised Kuwait’s continuous support for Sudan, as well as the role of host countries for Sudanese refugees, particularly Uganda, Egypt, and Libya.
