The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Bagiire, has confirmed that the government of Uganda has commenced the evacuation of Ugandan nationals stranded in both the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, following the outbreak of armed conflict between the two countries on June 13, 2025.
Bagiire said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively coordinating emergency evacuation and consular support in response to the deteriorating security situation.
“The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is working around the clock to ensure the safe return of its citizens caught in the crossfire between Iran and Israel,” he said.
According to the Ministry, the evacuation plan includes the registration of Ugandan students and other nationals currently stranded in both Iran and Israel, as well as the deployment of embassy staff to assist those crossing into safer neighbouring countries.
As of Tuesday, the Ministry confirmed that at least 48 Ugandan students have been safely evacuated from Tehran, the Iranian capital, with further efforts underway to assist others still trapped in conflict zones.
Uganda’s diplomatic missions in the region—including embassies in Ankara (Türkiye) and Abu Dhabi (UAE)—have been mobilised to offer direct support to Ugandans seeking safe passage.
Bagiire further revealed that Uganda is in active diplomatic engagement with regional governments such as Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Jordan, to facilitate visa-free entry for evacuees and ensure secure transit routes.
To streamline the evacuation process, Ugandan diplomats have been deployed to strategic border points to assist returnees. These officers are providing critical support, including documentation, transportation, and temporary shelter as the returnees await repatriation flights.
“The lives and welfare of our citizens abroad remain a top priority,” Mr Bagiire said. “We are working with partner governments and international agencies to ensure no Ugandan is left behind.”
Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated dramatically on June 13, 2025, with both countries exchanging missile strikes and engaging in intensified military confrontations, sparking concerns of a broader regional war. The conflict has disrupted commercial air travel and triggered mass evacuations by various countries with nationals in the region.
Ugandans in Iran and Israel include students, professionals, and religious pilgrims, some of whom have found themselves without means to flee the conflict due to closed airports or suspended visa services.
Bagiire urged Ugandans abroad to remain calm and maintain close contact with Ugandan missions. He also advised family members in Uganda to remain patient as arrangements are made to bring back their loved ones.
“The Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely. We urge all affected Ugandans to register with our embassies and follow the official communication channels for updates and guidance,” he said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has encouraged any Ugandan nationals still in Iran or Israel—or their relatives—to contact the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate for immediate assistance.
The government has pledged to continue offering updates on the evolving situation and to work tirelessly to protect the safety of all its nationals in conflict-affected regions.
