The Government of Uganda has activated emergency measures to evacuate its citizens caught up in the ongoing armed conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, which erupted on 13th June 2025.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working in close coordination with accredited Ugandan missions and other government agencies, is undertaking efforts to ensure the safety and repatriation of Ugandans stranded in both countries.
According to Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, several Ugandans—mainly students—have been identified in the conflict zones. “We have registered Ugandan students in Iran and received reports of stranded Ugandans in Israel from parents, relatives, and concerned citizens.”
He said efforts are currently underway to evacuate 48 Ugandan students from Tehran, with the Ministry engaging Iranian authorities to guarantee their safe passage out of the country.
“We have communicated to the Governments of the countries that border Iran and Israel, namely, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Jordan, to allow Ugandans being evacuated to be accorded gratis visas on arrival.”
The Ministry has also directed Ugandan embassies in Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar to offer consular support to evacuees who may pass through or arrive in these countries. Embassy staff are being dispatched to receive Ugandan nationals and coordinate their safe return home.
“The respective embassies will dispatch officers to receive these evacuees and process their return to Uganda through these neighbouring countries,” noted Bagiire.
However, logistical challenges persist. Both Iran and Israel have shut down their airspace, and the volatile security situation on the ground continues to hamper transport arrangements. The Ministry acknowledged delays but reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all stranded Ugandans are evacuated safely and with dignity.
“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,” added Bagiire while assuring the public that all available resources are being mobilised to secure the welfare of Ugandan citizens during this critical time.
The Ministry has encouraged concerned families and the general public to reach out via email at consular@mofa.go.ug for inquiries or updates regarding the evacuation process.