By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The Government of Uganda, through its Embassy in Tehran, has successfully coordinated the safe evacuation of 42 Ugandan nationals and two diplomatic staff from the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Turkey.
This follows the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and the State of Israel on 13th June 2025, which significantly affected the security situation in the region.
The evacuation process was led by the Uganda Embassy in Tehran, under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Kampala, and with critical logistical support from the Uganda Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. An Emergency Evacuation Coordination Centre was swiftly established in Turkey to facilitate the registration, coordination, and safe movement of Ugandan citizens.
In an exemplary show of cooperation and responsiveness, the Republic of Turkey accepted Uganda’s request to issue visas on arrival to the affected individuals, allowing their urgent transit and temporary entry into Turkish territory as part of the evacuation process.
Ground transportation from Tehran to Turkey was arranged, and the first group of evacuees was successfully received at the Bargarzan border on Wednesday, 18th June 2025.
The 42 Ugandan students and two Embassy staff are currently in transit to Istanbul, where they are scheduled to board a chartered commercial flight back home to Uganda.
The Emergency Evacuation Coordination Centre is under the leadership of Amb. Matata Twaha, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., assisted by Mr. Oscar J. Edule (Minister Counsellor) and Mr. Agaba Mark (Financial Attaché).
This coordination centre will continue its operations until all Ugandans currently in the Islamic Republic of Iran are safely accounted for and repatriated.
Ugandan diplomatic officials on the ground, including Mr. Julius Malinga (Second Secretary), Ms. Zainah Nabirye from the Uganda Embassy in Tehran, and Mr. Mubarak Daka from the Uganda Embassy in Ankara, played a crucial role in receiving and supporting the evacuees at the border.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reassure the Ugandan public that efforts are ongoing to locate and support any remaining Ugandans still in Iran. Coordination teams remain in contact with those registered and are facilitating their safe exit and return home.
Relatives and members of the public who may have information regarding Ugandan nationals still in Iran are encouraged to urgently contact the officials listed below:
“We continue to closely monitor the situation and remain committed to the protection and wellbeing of all Ugandans abroad,” reads a government statement issued today, Friday, 20th June, 2025.
