A group of 43 Ugandan students returned home Thursday after fleeing US and Israeli airstrikes in Iran, sharing harrowing accounts.
Sharon Twiine, 29, who studied international relations at Ahlul Bayt International University, said she was “lost for words” at Entebbe airport.
The Ugandan ambassador coordinated their escape, transporting them by bus to Turkey before arranging flights home through Istanbul.
“It was scary, traumatising, and I wouldn’t wish anyone to experience such terror,” Twiine told reporters, her voice heavy with emotion.
Oscar Nyegyema described hearing the ground tremble as a nearby airstrike hit, leaving students terrified and uncertain of survival.
Despite the ordeal, Nyegyema said he planned to return to Iran to complete his degree as soon as possible.
Some Ugandan students chose to remain in Iran, fearing that abandoning their studies would waste two years of their programmes.
Aloisius Ssegawa explained students could not afford tickets back to the university and felt compelled to continue despite dangers.
Twiine said the experience left her traumatised, acknowledging she would need therapy before resuming her academic ambitions abroad.
“I love to study and practice what I learn from Iran, but first, I must recover mentally and emotionally,” she added.
The students’ journey highlights the fragile intersection of war, education, and personal safety, exposing the human cost behind geopolitical conflict.