Entebbe: 43 Ugandan Students Evacuated from Iran Arrive Home, Fear Disruption to Studies
ENTEBBE, Uganda — The Government of Uganda has evacuated 43 Ugandan students from the Iran following the outbreak of the Israel–USA war on Iran, raising concerns among returnees about the future of their education.
The students, who had been pursuing different academic programs in Iran, arrived in the country on March 5, 2026 and were received at Entebbe International Airport by Balaam Barugahara, the State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs.
Speaking to journalists at the airport, Barugahara said the government had initially planned to evacuate 51 students, but eight chose to remain in Iran, hoping the security situation would improve so they could continue their studies.
“In total we expected 51 students, but eight of them decided to stay behind as they wait for the situation to normalize and resume their studies,” the minister said.
Coordinated evacuation effort
According to the minister, the evacuation was carried out through coordinated efforts involving Uganda’s diplomatic missions and security agencies.
Barugahara credited Twaha Matata, Uganda’s ambassador in Iran, for initiating communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda that triggered the rescue operation.
He explained that the process also involved coordination with the office of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces leadership and Uganda’s military attaché in Turkey, Bob Ogiki, who worked alongside diplomatic officials to facilitate the students’ safe return.
“Our ambassador to Iran contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Defence Forces then reached out to our military attaché in Turkey, Maj. Gen. Bob Ogiki, who worked tirelessly with our ambassadors to ensure the students were safely returned to Uganda,” Barugahara said.
More evacuations planned
The minister also revealed that the government is preparing another evacuation operation for 53 additional Ugandan students currently studying at another university in Iran.
Officials say the government remains in contact with Ugandan nationals still in Iran as authorities continue to monitor the security situation in the region.
The returning students expressed relief at arriving safely in Uganda but said they are worried about possible disruptions to their academic programs if the conflict continues.
Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Ugandan citizens in affected regions to remain in close contact with the country’s diplomatic missions for guidance and support.
