A total of 43 Ugandan students have safely returned home after being evacuated from Tehran, Iran, amid escalating conflict and security threats in the country.
The students arrived in Uganda following a coordinated evacuation effort led by the Government of Uganda, with critical support from diplomatic and security agencies.
They were received upon arrival by the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara.
Hon. Balaam thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for approving the evacuation shortly after the situation in Iran deteriorated.
“As you are aware, there is a war happening in Iran, and these young people were studying at one of the universities there. Most of them are pursuing programmes in information technology and other science disciplines, while a few are studying business,” he said.
The Minister explained that Uganda’s Ambassador to Iran, H.E. Twaha Matata, alerted the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when the conflict intensified.
President Museveni subsequently authorised the evacuation of students who wished to return.
Hon. Balaam acknowledged the pivotal role played by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Director General of the External Security Organisation, and Uganda’s Military Attaché in Turkey, Major General Bob Ogiki, in coordinating the operation.
Of the approximately 51 Ugandan students studying at the university in Iran, 43 chose to return home, while others opted to remain.
“The government was willing to bring all of them back, but some decided to stay behind willingly,” Hon. Balaam said.
Authorities are exploring options to support any remaining students should they later wish to leave.
On their education, the Minister assured that the government would engage relevant agencies and families to ensure continuity of studies.
“These are scientists and the President has been investing heavily in science education. The government cannot abandon them. We shall engage different government institutions to determine the best way forward so that they can complete their studies,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Aryabaha Evans commended the swift response by the government and diplomatic missions.
“We did not expect this situation to happen, but when it did, the government acted quickly so that you could return safely. We appreciate everyone who participated in this process and we are happy to receive you home,” he said.
He urged the students to remain vigilant during crises and expressed hope they would eventually resume and complete their studies when conditions permit.
Students Narrate Ordeal
Isaac Niwamanya and Sarah Mayanja, both pursuing Architectural Engineering, described the evacuation process.
“When fighting broke out on February 28, the situation prompted us to seek ways to leave Iran due to safety concerns,” they said.
“With guidance from our ambassador, H.E. Twaha Matata, a bus was organised and it transported us from Tehran to the Bazargan border with Turkey. The journey took about 14 hours.”
After clearance at the border, they continued to Istanbul — another 15-hour journey — where they received support from Uganda’s embassy officials and Maj. Gen. Bob Ogiki.
“Today we finally travelled from Turkey back to Uganda. Above all, we thank God for protecting us and we are grateful to the Government of Uganda, the President, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all the embassy officials who helped ensure our safe evacuation,” they said.
Oscar Nyegyema, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, appealed to the government to support the students in continuing their education.
“Many of us were able to study there because we could not afford education elsewhere. Given the uncertainty of the situation, we humbly request the Ministry of Education and other authorities to explore ways of helping us continue our studies, possibly by integrating us into universities in Uganda.”
Despite the challenges, the students expressed hope that the conflict will end soon, allowing them to resume and complete their academic programmes.
