By Spy Uganda
Kampala: The US government has commended Uganda for receiving the first group of Afghan refugees. Uganda received 51 Afghan refugees earlier today aboard a private chartered flight.
The hosting of Afghan refugees follows the US’ request tendered in after the Taliban took over Afghanistan and declared victory after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled and his government collapsed. The militants’ return to rule brings an end to almost 20 years of a US-led coalition’s presence in the country.
“Today Uganda received a privately chartered flight carrying evacuees from Afghanistan. The Government of Uganda and the Ugandan people have a long tradition of welcoming refugees and other communities in need,” the US said earlier today.
“As the largest bilateral supporter of refugees in Uganda and their Ugandan host communities, the United States expresses its appreciation to the Ugandan people for their generosity and hospitality toward these communities,” the US said in a statement.
The statement added, “Uganda has once again demonstrated a willingness to play its part in matters of international concern. We commend its efforts and those of the local and international organizations in Uganda who are providing humanitarian support in partnership with the Government of Uganda for these evacuees from Afghanistan.”
The country is expected to host 2000 refugees from Afghanistan. The refugee’s bills will be catered for by the American government for a period of three months. Unlike other asylum seekers, the Afghans will not go to refugee camps but will be hosted in various hotels in the country.
