The Ugandan government on Tuesday said it will evacuate its citizens caught up in the political crisis in Ukraine.

Fred Opolot, the ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson told Xinhua by telephone that the ministry of education plans to evacuate at least 80 citizens, mainly students.

"The preparations are underway for the evacuation of our citizens caught up in the crisis in Ukraine if the current unrest escalates," said Opolot.

The evacuation plans come amidst growing tensions between Ukraine and Russia over Crimea, which voted overwhelming in the Sunday referendum to join Russia.

Uganda's ambassador to Russia, Moses Ebuk on Monday told the state owned daily New Vision that the embassy has alerted all Ugandans in Ukraine to prepare for the evacuation incase the situation gets worse.

"We are following events closely and our people are not in danger. We have advised our people to stay indoors and restrict their movements in the streets."

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