Mar 6 • 07:31 UTC 🌍 Africa Africanews

Ugandan students evacuated from Iran speak of 'trauma'

Forty-three Ugandan students have returned home after being evacuated from Iran due to recent airstrikes, sharing their traumatic experiences during the conflict.

A group of 43 Ugandan students has safely returned to Uganda after being evacuated from Iran amid a recent escalation of violence involving airstrikes by the United States and Israel. The evacuation was organized by the Ugandan ambassador in Tehran, who arranged transportation by bus to the Turkish border, where the students then traveled to Istanbul to board their flight back home. This repatriation comes in the wake of serious security concerns for foreign nationals amid the military actions in the region.

Upon their arrival at Entebbe International Airport, many of the students expressed deep trauma from their experiences during the conflict. Sharon Twiine, a student of international relations at Ahlul Bayt International University, described the situation as frightening and traumatic, stating she would not wish anyone to endure such an ordeal. Another student, Oscar Nyegyema, shared his experience of hearing airstrikes nearby, which left him and his peers feeling devastated and uncertain about their survival.

The students' return highlights the broader implications of international tensions and conflicts, particularly how they affect innocent civilians, including students studying abroad. Such events underline the risks faced by foreign nationals in volatile regions and the responsibilities of their home governments in ensuring their safety during crises. The emotional and psychological toll on these students could impact their studies and future endeavors as they process their traumatic experiences in the aftermath of the conflict.

📡 Similar Coverage