Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has evacuated 43 Ugandan students from Tehran, relocating them to Turkey as fighting intensifies in Iran following reported joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
The evacuation was coordinated through Uganda’s Defence Advisor in Turkey, Major General Bob Ogiki, who oversaw the safe extraction of the stranded students from the Iranian capital. The students are currently in Turkey awaiting arrangements for their repatriation back home.
According to authorities, the operation was undertaken in response to the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Iran, where weekend airstrikes targeted multiple locations including Tehran. The strikes resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sparking immediate retaliatory attacks and pushing the region into heightened military alert.
The successful relocation of the 43 students marks the first major evacuation of Ugandan nationals since tensions escalated. Security officials say efforts are ongoing to identify and reach other Ugandans who may still be stranded in various parts of Iran.
Government agencies are working to establish contact with citizens remaining in the country and coordinate their safe exit amid disruptions to travel routes and communication channels.
Uganda earlier issued travel advisories urging nationals in Iran to exercise extreme caution and consider leaving through available safe corridors.
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