Israel-Iran conflict: Israeli envoy advises Ugandans on evacuation plan

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As tensions between Israel and Iran spiral into a full-scale regional crisis, Michael Lotem, Ambassador of Israel in Nairobi accredited to Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and the Seychelles, has issued an evacuation advisory for Ugandan citizens residing in Israel and Iran.

The warning follows escalating hostilities, missile strikes, and growing fears of wider conflict—prompting urgent diplomatic communication and logistical coordination with nations across the region.

Speaking during a regional security briefing today (Wednesday, 18, 2025), Lotem confirmed that around 500 Ugandans currently reside in Israel, many of them students and workers.

“We’ve received evacuation requests, especially from parents of students in Israeli high schools. We are working closely with our Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate their safe departure,” Lotem said.

The ambassador noted that Ben Gurion Airport in Israel remains closed, and Ugandans are advised to consider evacuation routes through Egypt or Lebanon.

He encouraged Ugandans to reach out to the Ugandan Embassy in Cairo and register for assistance through official Israeli channels:

Email: virtual@goisrael.gov.il

WhatsApp: +972-53-583-5808

Facebook: Israel Virtual Tourist Office

Ugandans in Iran speak out

Amid rising anxieties, Ugandans in Iran are speaking out. Photojournalist Abbey Ramadhan, currently based in Tehran, described a surreal contrast between national military actions and everyday life:

“From 8pm to around 7am, Iran was launching missiles at Israel. But in Tehran, people are going to work like nothing is happening.”

Journalist and student Godiver Asege echoed similar sentiments, noting that while the night was tense, the situation had somewhat calmed.

Online, calls for urgent evacuation have gathered momentum. One user on X (formerly Twitter), writing under the handle Senga, pleaded:

“Whatever is happening in Iran might not concern you, but adding a voice to evacuate Ugandan students from Iran costs zero cents. Hawa Nabukenya is one of those students who need to leave…”

When contacted, Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, Permanent Secretary at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said he was handling numerous calls related to the crisis and would issue a statement in due course.

Human cost of the conflict

Iran has officially reported 224 deaths since Friday. On the other hand, Iranian missile barrages have killed 24 Israeli civilians to date, with approximately 600 people injured since the conflict broke out seven days ago, according to Lotem.