The Government of Uganda has commenced the repatriation of Ugandan students who were studying in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the first group expected to arrive in Kampala this evening at 6:00 PM aboard Ethiopian Airlines.

In a statement, the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, extended gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and government institutions that coordinated the evacuation exercise.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to H.E. the President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, through the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and our Embassies in Iran and Turkey for successfully facilitating the return of our young people who were studying at Ahlul Bayt International University,” Barugahara said.

He added that the operation reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding Ugandan citizens abroad.

“The first group is expected to arrive this evening at 6:00 PM aboard Ethiopian Airlines. Efforts are ongoing to repatriate the remaining 53 students currently studying at QOM University in Iran,” he noted.

The minister further applauded the coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Uganda’s diplomatic missions in Tehran and Ankara, describing the exercise as a demonstration of effective diplomacy and leadership.

“Thank you once again, Mr. President, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all our embassy staff in Iran and Turkey for your dedication and coordination in this important operation. Viva President of Uganda,” he stated.

Among the students expected to arrive this evening are Kimobwa Sharif, Twimomujuni Danson, Mbajja Brenda, Nasasire Denis, Kiremire Nickson Baryayebwa, Ssali Edison, Dukundane Christine, Namuddu Waldha, Nabwe Patricia Grace, Ntege Jonathan, Sebanakita Muhamood Africa, Itungo Sam, Muramuzi Crisphol, Namilo Nakanwagi Sharitah, Kafuuma Peter, Nimwesiga Isaac, Nakalyango Aisha, Lukwago Eric, Nanjego Shamirah, Nabbala Godfrey, Ssegawa Aloysious, Kankya Davis, Bogere Musa Missongo, Nkaijagye Chrispus, Ssemakula Musa, Rutabora Samwel, Nyegyema Oscar, Eling Isac, Nakabulwa Bashiira, Wandwasi Emmanuel, Namnyonga Lighton, Gumoshabe Jonan, Muhwezi Andrew, Bashaaga Jovanese, Nabukenya Hawa, Muhoozi Innocent, Wampamba Alexandria, Mayanja Sarah, Twiine Sharon, Katamba Samwel, Namugosa Sarah Gesa, Mukyala Babra and Akampa Newton.

The additional updates will be provided regarding the remaining students still in Iran as arrangements for their safe return continue.

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has committed Shs5 billion to a SACCO for creatives, pledging direct financial support to organized content creators as part of efforts to integrate them into Uganda’s formal money economy.

The announcement was made during the second edition of Jazz with Jajja held at his Kisozi farm in Gomba District, where he hosted content creators, journalists, digital entrepreneurs, and social media influencers for a dialogue on economic transformation and national values. The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, attended the event alongside other senior officials.

During the engagement, President Museveni responded to a request from YouTuber Isaac Katende, popularly known as Kasuku, on how digital influencers can formally collaborate with the government. He described digital content creation as a modern evolution of traditional advertising.

“What you are talking about is not something new. In the past, companies spent money on television and radio advertising. Now a layer of operators has come up using social media as an easier way of communication to package and present products to consumers,” Museveni said.

He added, “If you are organized, we shall support you. If it is a combination of sales and entertainment, that is fine. I am glad to see our young people putting up that layer of promoters. We shall support you both in improving communication technology and operationally.”

The President framed the support within what he called Uganda’s broader struggle to move citizens from subsistence living into productive economic participation. He said about 70 percent of Ugandans have joined the money economy, leaving 30 percent yet to transition.

“In this new kisanja, we must fight poverty because poverty is the biggest problem,” he said.

Museveni emphasized that financing has been brought closer to citizens through initiatives such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, urging young people to join SACCOs in their communities. He revealed that government injects Shs100 million per parish annually, amounting to Shs500 million over five years, creating what he described as parish level banks.

“For the creatives, we are going to put money in your own SACCOs. We already have billions with the musicians. Now we are supporting you as well,” he confirmed.

Before the formal discussions, Museveni took participants on a tour of his farm, showcasing his herds including Ekyigondo, which now numbers over 700 cows originally belonging to his late mother. He used the visit to stress the importance of preserving family legacy and productive enterprise.

The Ranch Edition of Jazz with Jajja was coordinated by Natasha Museveni Karugire and brought together young Ugandans who shared stories of rising from difficult backgrounds through digital enterprise. The inaugural edition was held on January 4, 2026.

In her address, Janet Museveni urged young Ugandans to rediscover their identity and take responsibility for transforming their country.

“It is important that we celebrate being Ugandan. Africa has failed to develop because it always looks to other countries to develop it, yet there are jobs here,” she said.

She called on the youth to embrace faith, discipline and patriotism, cautioning against identity erosion and divisions based on tribe or religion.

“If we hold hands as Ugandans and work together, our country will be unstoppable,” she added.

The First Lady also highlighted reforms under the new competency based curriculum, describing it as a shift toward active learning where teachers act as facilitators and students engage in projects and critical thinking.

Among the participants was entrepreneur Jackie Arinda, who runs a coffee business marketed on TikTok, X, and Instagram. She said digital platforms had enabled her to build a brand and reach customers beyond her immediate location without relying on traditional distribution channels.

“What policy changes can enable Ugandan businesses to use new technologies like AI and drone systems? As much as we advertise, we are not yet skilled to the required standard,” she asked.

In response, Museveni reiterated government’s commitment to support innovation in communication technology and operational growth for creatives.

The engagement concluded with a call for patriotism and strategic security for Uganda and Africa, with participants describing the event as a platform for aligning digital enterprise with national transformation goals.

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Kiboga-Six people have been confirmed dead following a fatal early morning crash at Kyakabuga Village in Kyankwanzi District along the Kiboga–Hoima Highway.
The accident occurred when a bus, registration number UBQ 595G, traveling from Kampala to Hoima, collided head-on with a Fuso Fighter truck, registration number UBF 541C, which was transporting charcoal from Hoima.

According to Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson Lameck Kigozi, the impact of the collision sparked a fire that completely engulfed both vehicles.

Kigozi said six people died on the spot — two occupants of the bus and four from the Fuso truck — while seven others sustained critical injuries.
The bodies of the deceased have been transported to Hoima Hospital Mortuary. The injured victims were rushed to Kikonda Health Centre III for medical treatment.
One of the deceased has been identified as Muhumuza Gerald, 40, the bus driver and a resident of Hoima West Division. Another victim was identified as Linongola Matsukizo, 47, a businesswoman of Congolese nationality. The four victims who were traveling in the Fuso truck have not yet been identified.
Rescue teams from Kyankwanzi and Hoima districts, with support from a Hoima-based fire brigade, responded promptly and managed to extinguish the blaze.

The wreckage of the two vehicles remains at the scene as efforts to tow them away continue. Motorists using the Kiboga–Hoima Road have been advised to exercise caution near Kyakabuga, as the road remains partially closed.

Police have attributed the crash to overspeeding and reckless driving.

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Uganda Airlines has temporarily suspended its scheduled flights to Dubai following airspace closures linked to military tensions in the Middle East.

In a travel update issued on February 28, 2026, the national carrier announced the suspension of flights between Entebbe International Airport and Dubai International Airport, citing safety concerns arising from the deteriorating regional security situation.

“Uganda Airlines wishes to inform its esteemed guests and the general public of the temporary suspension of its scheduled flights between Entebbe International Airport and Dubai International Airport,” the airline said in the notice.

The airline emphasized that the decision was taken in response to airspace restrictions beyond its control as conflict escalated between Israel and Iran, with the involvement of the United States. The fighting has seen exchanges of missile and drone strikes, triggering widespread flight cancellations and rerouting across key Middle Eastern corridors.

Aviation authorities in parts of the Gulf have closed or restricted sections of airspace as a precaution, affecting international carriers operating through major transit hubs such as Dubai. The Gulf region serves as a critical global aviation crossroads connecting Africa, Europe and Asia, making disruptions particularly significant for travelers.

Uganda Airlines assured passengers that measures are in place to reduce inconvenience.

“Passengers holding confirmed bookings on the suspended flights will be re-accommodated on alternative carriers where possible or rebooked on future Uganda Airlines flights at no additional cost once operations resume,” the airline stated.

The carrier added that affected travelers may opt to change their travel plans to a later date, while its reservations team is directly contacting customers with updated arrangements.

“We urge all passengers scheduled to travel on this route to check their flight status on our official website or contact our call center before departing for the airport,” the statement further noted.

The airline’s Global Call Centre remains available around the clock to assist affected passengers.

The suspension underscores how rapidly escalating geopolitical tensions can disrupt global transport networks. 

The latest conflict erupted after Israeli and U.S. forces carried out strikes inside Iran targeting military and nuclear-linked facilities. Iran responded with retaliatory missile and drone attacks aimed at Israeli targets and U.S. positions in the region, deepening fears of a broader confrontation.

With airspace security remaining uncertain and diplomatic efforts ongoing, Uganda Airlines said it will provide further updates once conditions stabilize and normal scheduling can safely resume.

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