A group of 43 Ugandan students evacuated from Iran earlier this week have safely returned home following escalating tensions linked to the Iran–Israel conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
The students, who had been studying at Ahlul Bayt International University, arrived at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday evening after being evacuated through Turkey.
They were received by the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, who welcomed them back to Uganda on behalf of the government.
According to officials, 52 Ugandan students were studying in Iran at the time the crisis escalated. However, 43 opted to return home during the evacuation exercise, while eight reportedly declined to leave.
The evacuation was coordinated as part of government efforts to ensure the safety of Ugandan nationals following the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, which raised security concerns for foreign students in Iran.
Officials said the students were first moved from Iran to Turkey before boarding a flight back to Uganda.
Those who returned include Kimbowa Sharif, Twinomujuni Danson, Mbajja Brenda, Nasasira Denis, Kiremire Nickson Baryayebwa, Ssali Edison, Dukundane Christine, Namuddu Waldha, Nabwire Patricia Grace, Ntege Jonathan, Sebanakita Muhamood Africa, Itungo Sam, Muramuzi Crisphol, Namilo Nakanwagi Sharitah, Kafuuma Peter, Nimwesiga Isaac, Nakalyango Aisha, Lukwago Eric, Nanjego Shamirah, Nabbala Godfrey, Ssegawa Aloysious, Kankya Davis, Bogere Musa Missongo, Nkaijagye Chrispus, Ssemakula Musa, Rutaborwa Samwel, Nyegyema Oscar, Eling Isac, Nakubulwa Bashiira, Wandwasi Emmanuel, Nannyonga Lighton, Gumoshabe Jonan, Muhwezi Andrew, Bashaaga Jovanese, Nabukenya Hawa, Muhoozi Innocent, Wampamba Alexandria, Mayanja Sarah, Twiine Sharon, Katamba Samwel, Namugosa Sarah Gesa, Mukyala Babra and Akampa Newton.
Government officials said arrangements remain in place to monitor the situation in the region and support Ugandan nationals who may still be abroad in affected areas.
