Uganda Tells Nationals in Israel to Cross into Jordan as Conflict Intensifies
NAIROBI — Uganda has advised its citizens stranded in Israel to exit through the Allenby Bridge into Jordan, as military tensions surge across the Middle East following a U.S. airstrike on Iranian nuclear sites.
In an urgent notice issued Sunday, Uganda’s Honorary Consulate cited rising security risks and major disruptions to international flights. The statement urged Ugandans to book flights via Ethiopian Airlines from Amman to Addis Ababa, then onward to Entebbe.
“Ugandan citizens may depart Israel via the Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge) into Jordan, continuing with a flight from Amman on Ethiopian Airlines to Addis Ababa and onward to Entebbe,” the consulate advised.
Authorities cautioned citizens to confirm flight bookings before attempting to cross the border, warning that demand was high and several airlines had suspended services into and out of Amman.
US strikes spark regional shockwaves
The advisory followed President Donald Trump’s announcement that U.S. forces had destroyed three Iranian nuclear sites Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordo in a series of coordinated airstrikes on Saturday night. Trump credited Israel for initiating the action and warned Iran, saying, “Make peace or prepare for more attacks.”
The Israeli government has activated an evacuation registration portal for foreign nationals. However, there is no assurance of confirmed flights due to limited seat availability and regional flight restrictions.
Humanitarian crisis looms
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warned that the conflict risks triggering a humanitarian emergency. The agency confirmed that civilians in both Israel and Iran are already fleeing airstrikes, raising fears of a growing refugee crisis.
“This region has already endured more than its share of war, loss, and displacement we cannot allow another refugee crisis to take root,” said Filippo Grandi in a statement. The UN body said it had pre-positioned emergency supplies in both countries and raised particular concern for Iran’s 3.5 million refugees, mostly Afghans.
Diplomatic pressure builds
The U.S. State Department announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s defense industries on Friday. The sanctions aim to dismantle networks involved in nuclear and missile procurement. These measures are part of what Trump previously called a “maximum pressure” campaign.
Meanwhile, diplomatic talks in Geneva involving UK and European Union officials are ongoing but appear fragile. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the situation as “narrowing fast,” as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi demanded an immediate halt to Israeli air raids as a condition for any ceasefire.
Exit window narrowing for Foreign Nationals
The situation on the ground remains fluid. With no firm guarantees for evacuation flights, Uganda’s guidance offers a critical lifeline for its citizens seeking to leave Israel. Authorities in Kampala continue to monitor developments, but travel options remain limited as hostilities deepen and international carriers reduce operations in the region.
