A total of 43 Ugandan students from Ahlul Bayt International University in Tehran, Iran, were safely repatriated on Thursday amid the escalating Iran-Israel-United States tensions, while eight others chose to remain in the country.
The eight students reportedly decided to continue their studies at the Iranian institution, citing academic commitments and personal circumstances.
Balaam Barugahara, Uganda’s State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, disclosed this to reporters at Entebbe International Airport.
“When the war broke out, our ambassador in Iran, Twaha Matata, reached out to the President through the foreign affairs ministry. Of the 51 students, eight chose to remain behind. The President approved the return of the 43 willing to come home,” he said.
Government officials, however, assured that arrangements would be made for all students to return to Iran to complete their studies once the conflict subsides.
Isaac Nimwesiga, chairman of Ugandans in Iran, praised the coordination between the embassy and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), noting that despite the long and exhausting journey, the students were well accommodated and safely returned home.
Government authorities also confirmed that a second batch of 53 Ugandan students stranded at another university in Iran is scheduled for evacuation. Meanwhile, those who chose to remain are being monitored and supported remotely by the Ugandan embassy
No Comments
Join the DiscussionBe the first to join the discussion!