A group of Ugandan students evacuated from Iran have safely arrived in Turkey and are expected to return home on Thursday following a coordinated evacuation effort involving Ugandan diplomatic and defence officials.
According to Chris Magezi, the students were received in Istanbul by Uganda’s Defence Advisor in Turkey, Bob Ogiki, after a lengthy overland journey from Tehran.
Magezi said the students were transported by bus from the Iranian capital, Tehran, to the Gürbulak Border Gate in a journey that lasted about 24 hours.
From the border, they continued with another bus trip lasting about 18 hours to Istanbul, where they were temporarily accommodated at the Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul.
The evacuation was facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Uganda) in coordination with defence officials.
Magezi thanked the Government of Turkey for granting the students transit visas that allowed them to cross into the country and continue their journey.
The students are expected to arrive in Uganda on Thursday, March 5, at about 5:45pm aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight landing at Entebbe International Airport.
Officials also commended Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Maj. Gen. Ogiki, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for coordinating the evacuation and ensuring the students’ safe passage back home.
Authorities said the operation highlights ongoing efforts by the Ugandan government to support and protect its citizens abroad during emergencies.
