Plans to evacuate Ugandan citizens stranded in Iran and Israel amidst raging armed conflict start
The Ministry, in close coordination with accredited diplomatic missions and various government agencies in Iran and Israel, has been working diligently to register Ugandan students and gather information on other citizens affected by the escalating conflict.
Following the outbreak of armed conflict between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran on June 13th, 2025, the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated a comprehensive evacuation plan to ensure the safety and security of Ugandan citizens stranded in both countries.
The Ministry, in close coordination with accredited diplomatic missions and various government agencies in Iran and Israel, has been working diligently to register Ugandan students and gather information on other citizens affected by the escalating conflict.
“Using our established evacuation plan under such circumstances, we have registered Ugandan students in Iran and received information on Ugandans stranded in Israel from parents, relatives, and other concerned citizens,” stated an official press release from the Ministry.
Key highlights of the ongoing evacuation efforts include:
- Iranian Evacuation:The Ministry has successfully engaged with Iranian authorities to secure the safe passage and evacuation of Ugandan nationals from conflict-affected areas. As of today, 17th June 2025, 48 Ugandan students are being safely evacuated from Tehran.
- Border Negotiations:Recognizing the closure of Iranian and Israeli airspace, the Ministry has proactively communicated with the governments of neighboring countries – Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Jordan – to secure gratis visas on arrival for evacuating Ugandans.
- Regional Support:Ugandan embassies in Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have been alerted and are prepared to offer necessary consular support to evacuees potentially transiting through their respective countries. Embassy officials are being dispatched to receive evacuees and facilitate their return to Uganda.
The Ministry acknowledged the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, particularly the closure of airspace and the logistical difficulties in securing appropriate transportation for all distressed Ugandans.
“Given the security situation and the dynamics on the ground, there are challenges and delays in securing the appropriate transport for all distressed Ugandans,” the statement read.
“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.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged concerned citizens seeking information or assistance related to the evacuation efforts to contact them via email at consular@mofa.go.ug.
The government remains committed to the safety and well-being of its citizens stranded in the region and is actively working to ensure their safe return to Uganda.
