Kampala, Uganda: Uganda’s government has ordered the withdrawal of all non-essential Embassy staff from Tehran and issued a stern advisory for its citizens in Iran to leave “through any possible means,” as a dramatic escalation in regional conflict and internal instability grips the Islamic Republic.
In an urgent Security Alert dated 28 February 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Mr Vincent Waiswa Bagiire said it was “monitoring the situation in the Middle East with grave concern,” and stressed that all Ugandan citizens in the territory of Iran who can, are advised to take serious precautions for their safety and leave Iran through any possible means.”
He also urged those still in the country to stay indoors, alert community leaders of their whereabouts and monitor reputable media for developments. It cautioned that consular services are currently severely limited as alternative arrangements are being put in place.
The call for Ugandans to leave comes amid one of the most significant escalations in Middle East hostilities this year.
On 28 February, coordinated US and Israeli military strikes targeted multiple locations across Iran, including sites in Tehran and other cities, marking a sharp intensification of conflict after months of tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional activities.
This offensive, part of what observers have described as Operation Lion’s Roar, was met with panic and fear among Iranian civilians, widespread explosions and reports of infrastructure damage.
The military escalation follows widespread internal unrest in Iran, where mass protests beginning in late 2025 against economic hardship and political grievances drew tens of thousands into the streets, prompting a brutal government crackdown and extensive internet blackouts that have disrupted communication nationwide.
These developments have triggered comparable safety warnings from other governments, with countries like India also advising their nationals to exit Iran by any means due to “deteriorating security conditions.”
Implications for Ugandans
Uganda’s advisory underscores the unpredictable security environment and the fluid nature of international travel in and out of Iran. With evacuation logistics challenging and communications limited, the ministry stressed that information about evacuations will be constrained until the situation stabilizes.
The government further strongly advised Ugandans to suspend travel to the Middle East until further notice owing to the “extremely fluid situation that is affecting international travel.”
