Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has successfully evacuated 43 of its nationals, primarily students, from Iran following the escalating military tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The operation was confirmed by Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, the Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on March 2nd, 2026, after the group arrived safely in Turkey.

The evacuation comes amidst intensifying airstrikes and bombardment in Tehran, which has prompted many countries, including Uganda, to prioritize the safety of their citizens.

The operation was coordinated with support from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), through Uganda’s Defence Advisor in Turkey, Major General Bob Ogiki.

“We have been able to evacuate 43 students from Tehran, and they have since arrived in Turkey,” Bagiire said.

The evacuations follow a security notice issued by the Ministry on February 28, 2026, in which Bagiire urged all Ugandan citizens in Iran to prioritize their safety.

The advisory emphasizing the government’s commitment to citizen safety stated that those who could leave should do so through any possible means, while others were instructed to stay indoors, alert community leaders of their whereabouts, and monitor credible media updates.

According to Bagiire, the notice cited the government’s grave concern over the deteriorating security situation, leading to the withdrawal of all non-essential staff from Uganda’s Embassy in Tehran. This has severely limited consular services, with alternative arrangements being explored.

Bagiire added that the ministry also advised suspending all travel to the Middle East until further notice due to disruptions in international travel.

Officials have noted challenges in fully assessing the number of Ugandans in Iran, as many nationals do not register with the embassy. This has complicated broader evacuation planning, with information on additional operations to remain limited until the situation stabilizes.

The conflict intensified with heavy bombardment and airstrikes reported in Tehran and surrounding areas, prompting urgent action from several countries to repatriate their citizens.

Bagiire reiterated that the safety of Ugandans remains the top priority, calling on all parties to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, the government continues to monitor developments closely and coordinate with regional partners to support any remaining Ugandans seeking to leave Iran.