The Government of Uganda has successfully evacuated 43 of its nationals from Iran as the Middle East crisis intensifies. Most of the evacuees were students, safely transported from Tehran to neighboring Turkey through coordinated efforts by Ugandan diplomatic officials and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, confirmed the operation on March 2, describing it as a critical intervention amid escalating airstrikes and bombardments in Tehran.
“We have been able to evacuate 43 students from Tehran, and they have since arrived safely in Turkey. The safety and well-being of Ugandans abroad remains our top priority,” Bagiire stated.
The evacuation, led by Uganda’s Defence Advisor in Turkey, Major General Bob Ogiki, required careful planning due to heightened security risks and disruptions to international travel. The operation follows a government advisory issued on February 28 urging Ugandan nationals in Iran to prioritize their safety, leave if possible, or remain indoors and stay in contact with authorities if unable to travel.
In response to the deteriorating security environment, Uganda also withdrew all non-essential staff from its embassy in Tehran, limiting consular services while exploring alternative support measures for citizens remaining in the country. The Ministry further advised Ugandans to suspend non-essential travel to the Middle East until the situation stabilizes.
Authorities noted challenges in tracking all Ugandan nationals in Iran, as many had not formally registered with the embassy, complicating broader evacuation plans. Bagiire emphasized that updates on further evacuations will be provided once the security situation allows.
The ongoing conflict, involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, has prompted several countries to repatriate their citizens amid increasing military activity. Reiterating the government’s commitment to citizen safety, Bagiire urged all parties to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue to prevent further escalation.
