Uganda Evacuates 42 Citizens From Iran Amid Rising Tensions

KAMPALA | AGOOKYA NEWS — Ugandan authorities have confirmed the successful evacuation of 42 Ugandan nationals and two diplomatic staff from Iran, amid intensifying conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel.

The evacuees, most of whom are university students, embarked on a gruelling four-day overland journey from Tehran and are currently en route to Istanbul, Turkey, where final arrangements for their return to Uganda are being made. They are expected to arrive in Istanbul on Thursday afternoon.

According to Margaret Awino Kafeero, Head of Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the group has been granted temporary entry into Türkiye, with the understanding that Uganda will ensure their departure within 10 days.

“They have been on the road from Tehran for almost four days. Exhausted as they are, they will need to keep moving,” Kafeero said, noting that the evacuees will rest briefly in Istanbul before boarding flights to Uganda.

Uganda’s Embassy in Tehran coordinated the evacuation in collaboration with the newly established Emergency Evacuation Coordination Centre in Turkey. The centre, led by Charge d’Affaires Matata Twaha, was set up in response to the escalating conflict, which erupted into open hostilities on June 13, 2025.

The evacuees were received at the Bargarzan border crossing by Second Secretary Julius Malinga, embassy official Zainah Nabirye, and Mubarak Daka from Uganda’s Embassy in Ankara. They were then placed on buses for the onward journey to Istanbul.

The Turkish government facilitated the emergency transit by granting visas on arrival, following Uganda’s commitment to adhere to a strict 10-day departure window.

Evacuation Efforts Ongoing

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the public to support ongoing tracing efforts for other Ugandan nationals still trapped in Iran, including students, traders, and professionals.

“Registration and coordination efforts continue to be undertaken for other Ugandan nationals still inside Iran, with the aim of safely guiding, supporting, and ensuring their safe exit and return to Uganda,” the Ministry said in a statement.

Relatives and concerned individuals are encouraged to contact the officials listed below with information:

• Amb. Matat Twaha, CDA a.i | 📞 +256 772 594096

• Mr. Edule Oscar, Minister Counsellor | 📞 +256 702 020277

• Mr. Julius Malinga, Second Secretary | 📞 +256 782 572879

• 📧 Email: tehran@mofa.go.ug

The Emergency Evacuation Coordination Centre will remain active until all Ugandans are accounted for and safely repatriated.

The Iran-Israel conflict has triggered similar evacuation operations by multiple countries amid fears of regional escalation. For Uganda, the situation poses significant consular and logistical challenges, given the number of citizens residing in or transiting through the region.