Istanbul, Türkiye | A total of 45 Ugandan nationals, most of them students studying in Iran, have been successfully evacuated and arrived safely in Istanbul, Türkiye, following a coordinated operation led by the Ugandan government.
The students, who were enrolled at Ahlul Bayt International University and Allameh Tabataba’i University in Tehran, were evacuated through a joint effort by the Uganda Embassy in Tehran and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acting on the directive of President Yoweri Museveni.
Led by student leader Isaac Nimwesiga, the group travelled over 900 kilometres by road from Tehran to the Bazargan-Gurbulak border crossing into Türkiye.
They were received by Ugandan diplomatic officials from both the Iran and Türkiye missions.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, the group was officially welcomed by Uganda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, H.E. Nusura Tiperu, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, alongside Maj. Gen. Bob Ogiki, the Defence Attaché, who offered guidance on maintaining safety and compliance with visa regulations.
The Ugandan government is fully covering the cost of the evacuees’ accommodation and meals in Istanbul as they await return travel to Kampala.
In a message delivered on behalf of the President, Bagiire conveyed H.E. Museveni’s concern for the safety of all Ugandans living abroad and emphasized government commitment to ensuring their well-being.
The President also urged other Ugandans still residing in Iran to take advantage of the evacuation support currently being offered.
In response to rising regional tensions, Uganda’s Embassy in Tehran has established an Emergency Evacuation Coordination Centre, which remains active and accessible to Ugandans in need.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the safety and welfare of Ugandan citizens abroad remains a top priority for the Government of Uganda.