The Government of Uganda has successfully evacuated 41 students from Iran, following the ongoing conflict in the country.
The students were received on Sunday at Entebbe International Airport by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja who applauded President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for swiftly facilitating their return. “The government took immediate action to ensure our citizens returned home safe and sound. This was possible because of President Museveni’s leadership,” said Rt. Hon. Nabbanja.
She extended appreciation to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for playing a key role in coordinating the evacuation, noting that with the help of Maj Gen Bob Ogik, Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Türkiye, the students were kept safe throughout the process until they arrived in Uganda.
She reassured the public that the government remains ready to support other Ugandans still trapped in conflict areas and urged those in need to reach out to Ugandan embassies or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, Director Defence Public Information, thanked President Museveni for his consistent support to Ugandans during emergencies. “This is a testimony that the government is cautious about Ugandans even when they are far away from home,” he said and appealed to the students to stay safe until it is secure for them to resume studies.
Mr. Joseph Barigye, First Secretary for Foreign Affairs, commended the coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UPDF, and Uganda’s embassies, which worked tirelessly to make the evacuation happen.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Isaac Nimwesiga, thanked the government and the UPDF for the timely intervention. “The situation in Iran was terrifying, but we are grateful to everyone who made our evacuation possible,” he said.
Another returnee, Sarah Mayanja, expressed appreciation for the government’s full financial support and logistical coordination. “We didn’t have to worry about anything. The government made sure we were secure every step of the way,” she said.
Present at the airport were officials and staff from Uganda’s embassy in Iran, who played a key role in coordinating the students’ return.
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