Uganda has evacuated 42 students and two embassy staff from Iran to Turkey, following rising tensions and security fears triggered by the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and Israel on June 13.

The group was safely received at the Bargarzan border crossing on June 19 and is currently en route to Istanbul, where they will board a chartered commercial flight back to Uganda.

In a statement on Friday, the Ugandan government confirmed the successful evacuation and commended the Turkish authorities for their cooperation.

"In an exemplary show of cooperation and responsiveness, the Republic of Turkey accepted Uganda's request to issue visas on arrival to the affected individuals, allowing their urgent transit and temporary entry into Turkish territory as part of the evacuation process," the state said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ugandan diplomatic officials were on the ground to receive the evacuees at the border.

The government also assured the public that efforts are ongoing to trace and repatriate any remaining Ugandan nationals still in Iran.

“The 42 Ugandan students and two embassy staff are currently in transit to Istanbul, where they are scheduled to board a chartered commercial flight back home to Uganda," the government said.

“Coordination teams remain in contact with those registered and are facilitating their safe exit and return home. We continue to closely monitor the situation and remain committed to the protection and well-being of all Ugandans abroad," the Ministry added.

The evacuation is being coordinated through a dedicated centre, which will continue operations until all Ugandans in Iran are accounted for and safely repatriated.