The Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Eng Hilary Onek, is set to address the media about the decision to host about 2,000 refugees from Afghanistan.
A note sent to media houses said Onek was expected to address an ‘Urgent Press Conference’ at 2:30pm.
‘The Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Hilary Obaloker Onek Will Address the Press on Issues Concerning the 2,000 Refugees from Afghanistan at 2:30PM,’ the note said.
Earlier New Vision reported that Uganda is expected to host about 2,000 refugees from Afghanistan, according to a minister.
Esther Anyakun, the state minister for disaster preparedness and refugees, told New Vision on Monday night the first batch of the refugees had been expected to arrive before dawn.
“Our team is ready at the airport, including the health team. Tonight we are expecting 500 Afghans,” Anyakun said.
By 2pm, the refugees were yet to arrive.
Vianney Luggya, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority public relations manager, told New Vision the airport is always ready to receive whichever number of passengers comes in.
Thousands of Afghans have been airlifted from the troubled Asian country following the overthrow of the Afghanistan government by the Taliban.
Andrew Nsawotebba, the health manager for test and fly, which is responsible for testing incoming passengers, said the refugees will not be subjected to the mandatory COVID-19 testing since Afghanistan is not listed among the Category countries.
