A group of 43 Ugandan students who were recently evacuated from Iran due to escalating tensions in the Middle East have safely returned home.
The students arrived at Entebbe International Airport on March 5 after being temporarily relocated to Istanbul, Turkey. Their evacuation followed rising security concerns in Tehran, Iran.
Upon arrival, the students were received by the Minister of State for Youth, Balaam Barugahara, alongside other government officials.
Speaking during the reception, Barugahara said the government remains committed to protecting Ugandan citizens abroad, especially during periods of crisis. He explained that many of the evacuated students had travelled to Iran under scholarship programmes.
The minister also revealed that the Ministry of Education and Sports plans to support the students with return air tickets so they can resume their studies once the security situation in Iran stabilises.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda said Ugandan diplomatic missions across the region are on standby to assist any other citizens who may require evacuation.
Officials noted that arrangements remain in place to deploy officers to receive evacuees and guide them safely back to Uganda through neighbouring countries if necessary.
The evacuation was carried out as part of broader efforts by the government to ensure the safety of Ugandan nationals living or studying in regions experiencing instability.
