Istanbul, Türkiye — Forty-five Ugandans evacuated from Tehran, Iran, have arrived safely in Istanbul, Türkiye, marking a successful and complex operation spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda amid growing regional tensions in the Middle East.
The evacuees, mostly students from Ahlul Bayt International University and one from Allameh Tabataba’i University were received with relief and gratitude at the All Seasons Hotel in Aksarai, Fatih District, on the European side of Istanbul.
Congratulating them on their safe arrival, Ambassador H.E. Nusura Tiperu welcomed them and assured them of a comfortable transit stay in Istanbul as preparations were made for their final trip to Uganda.
The Government will meet the cost of their hotel stay and meals during the period that they await the completion of air travel arrangements. Their arrival was the culmination of a gruelling multi-leg journey by road, totalling nearly 40 hours.
The evacuation began with a 917-kilometre journey from southern Tehran to the Bazargan-Gurbulak border, arranged and facilitated by the Ugandan Embassy. The group spent the night at the border while undergoing special procedures for Turkish entry visas. Once cleared, they embarked on another 22-hour road trip from Gurbulak to Istanbul, accompanied by embassy officials from Ankara.
“There were no reported injuries or illnesses during the operation,” confirmed Ambassador Twaha Matata, Uganda’s Chargé d’Affaires in Tehran, who has been at the centre of the coordination efforts. The Embassy had earlier received distress alerts from student leader Isaac Nimwesiga, prompting swift intervention from the Ministry and diplomatic staff.
According to Amb. Matata, the Ugandan Embassy in Tehran, is aware of about 150 nationals in Iran, 125 of whom are students. With 42 now evacuated, around 65 students remain in the country, 11 of whom voluntarily chose not to leave.
During their arrival in Istanbul, the evacuees were welcomed by a high-level delegation led by Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, Uganda’s Ambassador to Türkiye Nusura Tiperu, and members of the Tehran embassy team, now temporarily operating from Ankara.
The PS conveyed warm greetings from President Yoweri Museveni, emphasising that the safe return of all Ugandan nationals is a top government priority. “The President expressed deep concern for your safety and instructed that all support be extended during your stay and journey home,” said Mr Bagiire.
He further urged those who chose to remain in Tehran to reconsider while the government is still in a position to assist.
Defence Attaché Maj. Gen. Bob Ogiki also addressed the group, offering safety tips and reminding them to comply with the terms of their visas during the transit period. The Government of Uganda will cover the costs of accommodation and meals while arrangements are finalised for the group’s air travel back home.
Amb. Tiperu reassured the evacuees: “You are not alone. We will ensure your safety and comfort as you await your return to Uganda.”
As the situation between Iran and Israel remains unstable, Uganda’s Embassy in Tehran has established an emergency evacuation coordination centre, urging families and the public to report any Ugandans still stranded in Iran.