The Uganda Embassy in Tehran has effectively coordinated the evacuation of 42 Ugandan students and two diplomatic staff members to Turkey, following the onset of conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel on June 13, 2025.
This operation was managed by the embassy, which established an emergency evacuation coordination centre in neighbouring Turkey. In conjunction with the embassy in Ankara and with the oversight of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ugandans in Iran were systematically registered for evacuation. Arrangements were made for land transport, and the Republic of Turkey graciously agreed to issue visas on arrival to facilitate the safe return of the affected Ugandans.
The Emergency Evacuation Coordination Centre is overseen by Ambassador Matata Twaha, Charge d’Affaires a.i., supported by Mr. Oscar J. Edule, Minister Counsellor, and Mr. Agaba Mark, Financial Attaché at the Uganda Embassy in Tehran. This centre will continue to exist until all Ugandans in the Islamic Republic of Iran are successfully repatriated.
The evacuated nationals were received at the Bargarzan border on June 18, 2025, by Mr Julius Malinga, Second Secretary; Ms Zainah Nabirye from the Uganda Embassy in Tehran; and Mr Mubarak Daka from the Uganda Embassy in Ankara. They are currently being transferred to Istanbul, from where they are expected to return to Uganda on a commercial chartered flight.
Efforts to register and coordinate with additional Ugandan nationals still in Iran will continue, with the goal of providing support and ensuring their safe exit and return to Uganda.
