Uganda activates emergency evacuation plan for citizens in Iran, Israel amid escalating conflict
The ministry confirmed that 48 Ugandan students are currently being safely evacuated from Tehran and emphasised that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe passage of all affected nationals.
Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated an emergency evacuation plan to assist Ugandan citizens stranded in Iran and Israel, following the outbreak of hostilities between the two countries.
In a press release signed by Permanent Secretary Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, the ministry confirmed that "48 Ugandan students are being safely evacuated from Tehran" and reiterated that efforts are ongoing to coordinate the safe passage of all affected nationals.
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"We have engaged the relevant authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran to ensure the safe passage and evacuation of our nationals from the conflict-affected areas," read part of the statement.
To facilitate evacuations, Uganda says it has engaged neighbouring countries, including Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Jordan, to issue gratis visas for evacuees upon arrival.
Kampala has tasked its diplomatic missions in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar with providing consular support to Ugandans who may arrive in those countries.
Notably, the statement acknowledged logistical hurdles due to closed airspace over Iran and Israel.
The ministry assured the public it is doing "everything within its means" to ensure that all Ugandans are transported out of the affected areas safely.
"Given the security situation and the dynamics on the ground, there are challenges and delays in securing the appropriate transport for all distressed Ugandans," the government cautioned.
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