By Spy Uganda
As military tensions escalate between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Government of Uganda has announced an emergency plan to evacuate Ugandans stranded in both conflict-hit countries.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government confirmed it is working closely with embassies, foreign missions, and regional partners to secure the safe passage and eventual return of Ugandan nationals—particularly students caught in the crossfire.
The Ministry noted that 48 Ugandan students are currently being evacuated from Tehran, and more names are being compiled under an active evacuation registry. Families and concerned citizens in Uganda have also submitted reports of stranded individuals in Israel.
The Acting Head of Mission in Tehran, Mr. Oscar Edule, has been on the front lines coordinating the evacuation effort. He urged all Ugandans in Iran to maintain regular communication with the embassy, move in groups for safety, and register for extraction if they have not already done so. Edule is reachable via WhatsApp on +256 702 020277 for emergency support.
Due to the official closure of Iranian airspace, air evacuations are currently impossible. Ugandans are therefore being instructed to travel by land only, with negotiations underway for safe border crossings into Azerbaijan and Turkey. Talks with the Azerbaijani government include requests for visa-on-arrival clearance, while a Ugandan official is reportedly en route to Turkey to oversee the planned airlifting of evacuees back to Uganda.
The Ministry has also sought cooperation from neighboring countries—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—to prepare for a second wave of displaced nationals who may exit through those territories.
Citizens have been strongly cautioned against moving alone and advised to stay in constant contact with fellow Ugandans and embassy officials as the volatile situation continues to evolve.
Uganda’s diplomatic corps remains on high alert, and further updates are expected as the evacuation progresses.
