Late Uganda's ambassador to Iran buried

Relatives, Government officials and other mourners gathered Saturday for the burial of the late Muhammad Tezikuba Kisambira, Uganda's Ambassador to Iran.

The burial took place at Bulopa Village, Kamuli district. The official delegation from the foreign affairs ministry was led by Amb. Phillip Odida, acting director of regional and international political affairs.  

They were accompanied by Moses Kizige, Uganda’s Ambassador to Russian, Stephen Mubiru, Uganda’s Ambassador to Germany, Rashid Ssemuddu Yahya, Uganda’s Ambassador to Sudan, Suleiman Gugwa, the deputy head of mission of Uganda’s Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

Also present were Ahmed Kisule, special envoy to the Middle East, Amb. Abbey Walusimbi senior presidential advisor - diaspora affairs, Amb Aisa Ismail, the deputy chief of protocol, Dr. Sam Omara, the head of public diplomacy and Oscar Edule the accounting officer of Uganda’s Embassy in Tehran –Iran.

Mourners attending the burial of the late Amb. Kisambira in Kamuli District. (Courtesy photo)

The state minister for foreign affairs Okello Oryem said Kisambira passed on early this month after he suffered an illness for some time. Whereas the cause of his death is still unknown, it is reported that the ambassador has been battling an illness for some time.

Kisambira has been serving as Uganda's ambassador to Iran since 2020, following his appointment by President Yoweri Museveni.  He was also accredited to a host of countries namely; Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Palestine, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. 

Before his ambassadorial roles, he had served as a Muslim scholar as well as head of administration and planning at the Muslim Scholar's Forum. In accordance with the official burial program issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, funeral prayers (Salatul Janazah) were held on Friday at the Tawheed Mosque in Mengo-Kisenyi, in memory of the late ambassador.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed Kisambira’s invaluable contributions to Uganda’s foreign service, specifically his role in strengthening the bilateral relations between Uganda and the countries he was accredited to. The ministry commended his patriotic service, diligent efforts, and unwavering commitment. 

Prior to his diplomatic tenure, Kisambira played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Kibuli Muslim parallel administration unit in 2009. This initiative emerged after he and his faction lost a court case against the current Mufti Shaban Ramadan Mubajje.

Kisambira’s faction accused Mufti Mubajje of improper dealings involving Muslim property. Moreover, Kisambira held the position of the first secretary general at the office of the Supreme Mufti in Uganda during the tenure of the late Zabair Kayongo.