A total of 43 Ugandan students have safely returned home after being evacuated from Iran following renewed tensions and conflict in the Middle Eastern country.
The students arrived in Uganda after a coordinated evacuation effort led by the Government of Uganda, with 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 facilitating the safe return of the students, noting that the evacuation was approved shortly after the security 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.
He explained that when the conflict broke out, Uganda’s Ambassador to Iran, His Excellency Twaha Matata, alerted the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The President subsequently approved the evacuation of the students who wished to return.
Hon. Balaam also acknowledged the role played by the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Director General of the External Security Organisation, and Uganda’s Military Attaché in Turkey, Major General Bob Ogiki, in coordinating the evacuation.
According to the minister, about 51 Ugandan students were studying at one of the universities in Iran, but only 43 opted to return home while others chose to remain.
“The government was willing to bring all of them back, but some decided to stay behind willingly,” he said, adding that authorities are exploring ways of supporting other Ugandan students in Iran should they wish to return.
Regarding the students’ education, the minister said the government would work with relevant agencies and families to ensure the affected students continue their 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 said.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aryabaha Evans commended the swift response by the government and diplomatic missions that facilitated the evacuation.
“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 such crises and expressed hope that they would eventually complete their studies once circumstances allow.
“We hope you will finish your studies when conditions permit. Whenever such situations arise, it is important to act with diligence and vigilance so that you remain safe and able to continue contributing productively,” he added.
Students narrate ordeal
Isaac Niwamanya and Sarah Mayanja, both pursuing Architectural Engineering, narrated how the evacuation unfolded.
They explained that when fighting broke out on February 28, the situation prompted the students to seek ways to leave Iran due to safety concerns.
“With guidance from our ambassador, H.E. Twaha Matata, a bus was organised to transport us from Tehran to the Bazargan border with Turkey,” they said.
The journey took about 14 hours.
The students waited for clearance to cross into Turkey before continuing to Istanbul, another journey of about 15 hours. Upon arrival, they were accommodated with support from Uganda’s embassy officials and the Military Attaché in Turkey, 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 added.
Appeal for support to continue studies
Another student, Oscar Nyegyema, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, appealed to the government to support the students in continuing their education.
He explained that most of them were studying in Iran on scholarships and fear losing the opportunity due to the ongoing conflict.
“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,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty, the students expressed hope that the conflict will end soon so they can resume and complete their academic programmes.
