First group of Cambodia-stranded Ugandans set to return

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The first group of Ugandans stranded in Cambodia is expected to arrive at Entebbe International Airport on February 24, 2026, after the Government secured visa overstay waivers from Cambodian authorities.

About 10 Ugandans are scheduled to land aboard an Ethiopian Airlines plane, marking the beginning of a phased return of hundreds who have been trapped in the Southeast Asian country following crackdowns on online scam compounds.

According to Kyeyo Initiative Uganda chief executive officer Kenny Oloka, over 100 Ugandans have so far secured air tickets and are expected to begin coming back home, starting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

“Many of them are still waiting on their families to buy them tickets, as those who can afford them have done so. We expect at least 10 tomorrow, and more than 100 have already bought tickets,” Oloka said.

On Friday, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Betty Bigombe, confirmed that the Government of Cambodia had agreed to grant visa overstay waivers to all stranded Ugandans following recent security operations targeting online scam operations.

Over 600 affected

Bigombe, whose diplomatic jurisdiction covers Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Malaysia, said the waiver allows Ugandans to leave without paying accumulated overstay fines provided they can purchase their own air tickets.

“So far, 608 Ugandans have come out and registered, and we expect the number to grow because many are still stranded in Chinese camps that were not raided. The government of Cambodia has agreed to grant waivers to all Ugandans. These can leave as soon as they acquire air tickets. The government will, however, not be able to buy anyone air tickets,” she told New Vision on February 20.

Earlier figures had indicated that 700 Ugandans had registered, but the number has since risen as more victims contacted Ugandan authorities. Before the waiver, the stranded nationals were required to pay about sh37,000 for each day overstayed, a cost many could not afford after being in Cambodia for nearly two years.

Bigombe warned that lack of funds may prevent many from taking advantage of the waiver.

“Many are sleeping on the streets and going hungry. We appeal to families, NGOs and well-wishers to support those who cannot afford air tickets. They do not need any documentation to show at the airport; once they have tickets, they can board and return to Uganda,” she said.

Oloka echoed the appeal, noting that survival remains a pressing concern for many still stranded.

“As an association, we do not have funds to help those who cannot meet the air ticket costs. We are still in negotiations with IOM and other government agencies to see whether tickets can be purchased in bits. But even before that, survival is a big concern because they have no food and nowhere to sleep,” he said.

Some Ugandans fear the waiver period may expire before many can raise the required funds, although Cambodian authorities have not specified a deadline.

Kembabazi (second name withheld), speaking via WhatsApp, described worsening conditions they are facing, as she is still stranded because she can't afford a ticket and awaits help from her family.

“This situation is becoming harder every day. Many Ugandans are without proper shelter or employment because the camps were closed, and we lack basic needs. Even if you have money, most hotels will not let you in without documents. "We respectfully appeal for assistance so our people can safely return home, especially since many of us can’t afford it," she said.

The crisis stems from recruitment networks that lured hundreds of Ugandans to Cambodia with promises of lucrative jobs offering monthly salaries between $1,000 and $2,000 (shillings 3.5 million to seven million). Many travelled on tourist visas, unaware they were being trafficked.

Upon arrival, recruits were taken to heavily guarded compounds often described as China camps, where they were forced to work as online scam agents for Chinese-owned companies that cloned legitimate investment platforms. Workers were reportedly incentivised to recruit more people into the network, further expanding the scheme.