KAMPALA — The government has begun the evacuation of its citizens stranded in Iran and Israel following the outbreak of armed conflict between the two nations on June 13, 2025.
According to a statement issued Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 48 Ugandan students have already been evacuated from Tehran under a pre-established evacuation plan.
“In the wake of the armed conflict between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran… the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in close coordination with diplomatic missions and various agencies… has taken steps to ensure a safe and secure evacuation,” the statement reads in part.
The ministry confirmed it had registered Ugandan students in Iran and received information on those trapped in Israel through their families and concerned citizens.
"We have engaged the relevant authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran to ensure the safe passage and evacuation of our nationals from the conflict-affected areas," the statement noted.
Efforts are also underway to coordinate with countries bordering the war zone—Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar—to facilitate visa-free entry for evacuees.
"We have communicated to the Governments of the countries… to allow Ugandans being evacuated to be accorded gratis visas on arrival," the Ministry stated.
The Ministry also revealed that Uganda’s embassies in the region have been instructed to dispatch officers to receive the evacuees and organize their return home.
However, the process faces significant logistical hurdles.
"It is worth noting that Iran and Israel have both closed their airspace until further notice," said Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire.
"Given the security situation and the dynamics on the ground, there are challenges and delays in securing the appropriate transport for all distressed Ugandans."
Despite these difficulties, the ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all nationals.
"The Ministry is doing everything within its means to ensure that all the stranded Ugandan nationals are accorded safe and secure transportation out of the affected areas," Bagiire said.
The public has been encouraged to contact the Ministry for inquiries regarding the evacuation process via the consular email: [email protected].