Uganda Launches Emergency Evacuation from Iran and Israel Conflict Zones

The Ugandan government has launched emergency evacuation operations for its citizens trapped in conflict zones following recent hostilities between Iran and Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the initiative on Wednesday, with Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire Waiswa stating officials are working through diplomatic channels to secure safe passage for vulnerable nationals.

Critical coordination is underway with Uganda's missions in Cairo, Riyadh, Ankara, and Doha, as the East African nation maintains no embassies in either conflict-affected country. "We've successfully arranged the evacuation of 48 Ugandan students from Tehran through engagement with Iranian authorities," Waiswa announced.

Regarding trapped citizens in Israel, the Ministry acknowledged receiving distress reports from families amid the closure of Israeli airspace. Israel's Ambassador to Kenya Michael Lotem urged Ugandans to contact their Cairo embassy directly, sharing evacuation registration details and noting exit routes through Egypt as a primary option.

Diplomatic efforts have expanded to neighboring states, with Uganda requesting gratis transit visas from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Jordan. Embassies across the Gulf region and Middle East have been activated to provide consular assistance and logistical support for evacuees during their repatriation journey.

The Ministry cautioned about operational challenges due to the volatile security situation, citing missile strikes that recently hit Israel's Weizmann Institute and the ongoing closure of critical transportation hubs. Officials emphasized that despite delays from restricted air corridors, all possible measures are being taken to ensure citizens' safe return.