Kuwait opens safe return pathway for Sudanese refugees in Uganda
The first flights of the voluntary return project for Sudanese refugees in Uganda launched on Sunday, as part of the first phase of the initiative implemented by the Kuwaiti Aid Direct Association, 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.
Kuwait’s Ambassador to Sudan, Dr. Fahd Al-Dhafiri, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the project is being carried out under the guidance of the wise political leadership, in cooperation between the embassy, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Aid Direct Association. 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.
Ambassador Al-Dhafiri clarified that the project is the first of its kind, representing a practical model for contributing to the reunification of families separated by war. It also responds to an urgent humanitarian necessity imposed by the harsh conditions of exile in Uganda.
He expressed gratitude to the Aid Direct Association, emphasizing that this initiative has received widespread welcome and appreciation from the Sudanese government and people. They view it as an extension of Kuwait’s humanitarian role toward their brothers in Sudan, with the Sudanese government pledging to provide all necessary facilitations to ensure its success, thereby establishing it as a model to be emulated and an incentive encouraging other humanitarian organizations to support voluntary return programs.
For his part, Dr. Abdullah Al-Samit, Secretary-General of Aid Direct, affirmed that the continuous support from the Kuwaiti government and the confidence of donors enabled the association 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, the growing desire of refugees in Uganda to return, and the agreement between the governments of both countries to support the project have made it a significant step at this stage. He considered safe voluntary return a direct contributor to recovery and reconstruction.
He noted that the association provided comprehensive financial and operational support enabling the return of more than 1,000 refugees, including the provision of flight tickets, logistical arrangements, travel documents, and coordination with the governments of both countries and the Kuwaiti Embassy. This was done according to an organized sequence that safeguards the dignity and safety of beneficiaries until their arrival.
In a related context, Ambassador Onor Ahmed, Secretary of the Supreme Government Committee for the Voluntary Return of Sudanese Abroad, stated that the project falls within broader government efforts to enhance stability, support recovery, and promote reconstruction, with backing from Aid Direct.
