Entebbe, Uganda – The Government of the Republic of Uganda, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Mission in Tehran, successfully coordinated the safe evacuation and repatriation of forty-three Ugandan students from the Islamic Republic of Iran in March 2026, following heightened instability in parts of the Middle East. The students were safely received at Entebbe International Airport after travelling aboard Ethiopian Airlines, marking the conclusion of a carefully managed and multi-agency operation. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by Hon. Balaam Barugahara, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, alongside Mr. Aryabaha Evans, Head of the Consular Services Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who conveyed the Government’s assurance of continued support towards their reintegration and welfare.
The repatriation exercise had been necessitated by emerging security concerns and uncertainties in the region, which posed potential risks to Ugandan nationals pursuing studies abroad. In response, the Government, in close coordination with its diplomatic mission in Tehran and international partners, ensured that all logistical, travel, and safety arrangements were undertaken in a timely and efficient manner to safeguard its citizens. This intervention underscored Uganda’s enduring commitment to the protection and welfare of its nationals wherever they may reside. It further reflected the effectiveness of coordination among Government institutions, diplomatic missions, and international transit partners in responding to evolving crisis situations.
According to an official statement issued by Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the successful repatriation followed prior advisories issued to Ugandan nationals in Iran. These advisories, communicated through Ambassador Matata Twaha, Charge d’Affaires in Tehran, had urged voluntary departure from the country in anticipation of deteriorating security conditions. The Permanent Secretary noted that this evacuation constituted the second such intervention within a period of approximately seven months, following a similar exercise undertaken in June 2025. He emphasised the need for strict adherence to Government travel advisories, observing that repeated emergency evacuations may not be sustainable in the long term.
The students, many of whom had been studying in Tehran, expressed both relief upon their return and concern regarding the continuity of their academic programmes. Government authorities indicated that appropriate measures would be explored to support affected students, including options for academic continuity within Uganda. The Government reaffirmed its commitment to responsive, proactive, and citizen-centred consular services, particularly in times of crisis, as part of its broader mandate to safeguard Ugandan interests abroad.
(L) A repatriated student addresses the media, (R) the students on arrival in Uganda
