Uganda Issues Safety Alert for 160,000 Nationals in UAE Over Iran Attacks

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 12051 EAT on Monday 2 March 2026

Uganda’s embassy in the United Arab Emirates has called on its nationals to stay alert and comply fully with security directives from UAE authorities as tensions rise across the Gulf following Iran’s retaliatory strikes.

The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Abu Dhabi said it remains open and is working closely with local authorities to track developments and ensure the safety of Ugandan nationals.

Uganda’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Zaake W. Kibedi, said protecting the growing Ugandan community in the Emirates remains the mission’s foremost priority.

“We are in close contact with the authorities and are carefully monitoring the evolving security situation. Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of all Ugandans in the UAE,” Ambassador Zaake W. Kibedi said.

“We strongly urge our citizens to follow all official instructions, remain in secure locations where advised, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed through official channels,” he added.

The embassy said it has kept its emergency lines open for urgent assistance and will continue to issue updates as the situation evolves.

The advisory comes amid heightened regional tensions after Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes on military installations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia in response to attacks by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory.
The escalation has triggered precautionary airspace restrictions and widespread disruption to aviation across the Gulf.

The security developments come at a time of rapidly expanding economic ties between Uganda and the United Arab Emirates.

Foreign direct investment from the UAE into Uganda has surged from $300 million in 2018 to $3.5 billion in 2024, underscoring growing Emirati interest in Uganda’s energy, real estate, logistics and infrastructure sectors.

Bilateral trade has also expanded significantly, with the UAE emerging as Uganda’s leading global export destination.

Many Ugandan nationals work in domestic service, hospitality, aviation support, construction and retail, with large communities based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi — both key global aviation hubs.

Recent airspace restrictions have forced several airlines operating between East Africa and the Gulf to suspend or reroute flights. Uganda Airlines temporarily halted its Dubai service, while Emirates and other regional carriers revised schedules following security reviews.

Ambassador Zaake W. Kibedi urged Ugandans to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as the situation continues to unfold.

“We stand in solidarity with our community and remain committed to supporting them throughout this challenging period,” he said.

Authorities in Kampala have similarly called for restraint and dialogue among regional actors, while advising citizens to keep monitoring official communication channels and prioritise their personal safety.

Source: Chimpreports

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