42 Ugandans Safely Evacuated from Iran Amid Conflict with Israel

Ankara/Tehran – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the successful evacuation of 42 Ugandan nationals, including two diplomatic staff and 40 students, from the Islamic Republic of Iran following the outbreak of armed conflict between Iran and the State of Israel on 13th June 2025.

The evacuation operation was coordinated by the Uganda Embassy in Tehran, in close collaboration with the Uganda Embassy in Ankara and under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Kampala.

In response to the escalating security situation, the Embassy in Tehran established an Emergency Evacuation Coordination Centre in neighboring Turkey. The centre, led by Amb. Twaha Matata, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., and supported by Mr. Oscar J. Edule, Minister Counsellor, and Mr. Agaba Mark, Financial Attaché, has been managing the complex logistics of safe transit, border crossing, and emergency travel documentation.

The Government of the Republic of Turkey granted visas on arrival to facilitate the urgent relocation of Ugandans from Iran. The evacuees were received on Wednesday, 18th June 2025, at the Bargarzan border post by Mr. Julius Malinga (Second Secretary), Ms. Zainah Nabirye (Uganda Embassy in Tehran), and Mr. Mubarak Daka (Uganda Embassy in Ankara).

From the border, the group has been transferred to Istanbul, where they are expected to board a commercial chartered flight back to Uganda.

The evacuation centre in Turkey remains operational and continues to coordinate efforts to identify and support any other Ugandan nationals still inside Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the public, especially relatives and friends of Ugandans in Iran, to provide information that could aid in the ongoing efforts to ensure every citizen’s safe return.

For further assistance, the Ministry has shared the following emergency contacts: Amb. Twaha Matata, Chargé d’Affaires a.i – +256 772 594096; Mr. Oscar J. Edule, Minister Counsellor – +256 702 020277 and Mr Julius Malinga, Second Secretary – +256 782 572879. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ugandans abroad, especially in times of crisis.