Uganda has evacuated 42 students from Iran, as tensions in the Middle East escalate and airspace closures limit safe travel options. The group was received in Istanbul by Uganda’s ambassador to Türkiye, Nusura Tiperu, following a coordinated ground evacuation from Tehran.
The students crossed the Bazargan border into Türkiye, where the Ugandan embassy had set up an emergency response center to manage the evacuation. The government confirmed the operation was organized through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with its embassy in Tehran and supported by Turkish authorities.
“This is just the beginning. While we have safely received 42 students, we remain in active coordination with our team in Tehran to ensure that no Ugandan is left behind,” said Ambassador Tiperu, emphasizing Uganda’s commitment to the safety of its nationals abroad.
Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Margaret Kafeero stated that Kampala is closely tracking developments in both Iran and Israel. “Our missions are on high alert, and we are maintaining continuous contact to ensure the protection and safe repatriation of all Ugandans in affected areas,” she said.
Most of the evacuated students had been pursuing higher education at Ahlul-Bayt International University in Tehran. The conflict has disrupted their studies and made it increasingly difficult for foreign nationals to exit the country, especially after Iran and Israel shut down their airspaces.
The evacuation comes days after an Israeli airstrike on Iran reportedly aimed at disabling the country’s nuclear infrastructure. Iran retaliated by launching drones and missiles at Israeli military sites, raising fears of a broader regional war.
Uganda’s swift response reflects a growing diplomatic focus on citizen protection in volatile regions, as Kampala works to ensure the safe return of all its students and expatriates caught in the crossfire.