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The Iranians in Uganda celebrated the 45th Anniversary of glorious Islamic Revolution emphasizing a Strengthened Iran-Uganda Relations against the backdrop of security and peace.

While speaking at the celebrations recently at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala, H.E. Majid Saffar, the Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, commended the invaluable peace and security of Uganda and the East African region, noting Iran's readiness to continue its part through cooperation and the transfer of new technologies and knowledge base sciences developed in Iran.

He also underscored the increasing educational, scientific, and cultural cooperation between the two nations, revealing Iran's recent granting of seventy scholarships to Ugandan students to pursue studies in Tehran across various disciplines including engineering, political and international relations, management, law, and women's studies.

Ambassador Saffar further conveyed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of President Sayyed Ebrahim Raisi and the Iranian embassy in Uganda to H.E Yoweri Museveni for his unwavering commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation between our two nations.

Majid Saffar the Iran Ambassador to Uganda during 45th Anniversary of the glorious victory of the Islamic revolution in Iran at Four Points on February 14, 2024. (Photo by Mary Kansiime)

Furthermore, Ambassador Saffar extended warm congratulations to the people and leadership of the Republic of Uganda for the meticulous organization and successful hosting of the two major summits of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the G-77 mentioning the active participation of a high-level Iranian delegation, led by First Vice President of Iran, H.E. Mohammad Mokhiber, in these significant events.

The Ambassador also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for extending an invitation and hosting the Iranian President during an official visit to Uganda in July of the previous year, highlighting the hospitality of the Ugandan people which greatly contributed to the visit's success.

Jacob Marksons Oboth, the Minister of State for Defense, hailed the cordial relations between Uganda and Iran, noting their steady growth anchored in solidarity, mutual cooperation, and a shared pursuit of peace and stability.

Highlighting the recent Official Visit of H.E. Dr. Sayyed Ebrahim Raisi to Uganda, he outlined the reaffirmation of commitment to regional and international peace, security, and stability by both principals.

(L-R) Jacob Oboth-Oboth, state minister for Defence interacting with Henry Oryem Okello, state minister for Foreign Affairs during the 45th Anniversary of the glorious victory of the Islamic revolution in Iran at Four Points on February 14, 2024. (Photo by Mary Kansiime)

Oboth emphasized the importance of nurturing South-South Cooperation in critical areas such as Science, Technology, and Innovation, Oil and Gas, and Trade for the mutual benefit of both peoples. Additionally, he noted the conclusion of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) under the Uganda-Iran Cooperation Framework, including the establishment of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), signaling a strategic direction for bilateral relations.

Expressing Uganda's welcoming stance towards the concluded frameworks, he highlighted the significance of the Joint Commission for Cooperation in providing direction and enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors.

Oboth also celebrated the successful outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Uganda and Iran in the Health field, resulting in the establishment of the Iran-Uganda Hospital in Naguru for the Uganda Police Force.

“Completed in 2017, the fully functional facility operated by the Uganda Police Force extends its services to numerous individuals, reflecting the tangible outcomes of bilateral cooperation,” he said.

Henry Okello Oryem, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), extolled Uganda's abundant opportunities for investment, trade, and tourism while describing Uganda as a low-cost country with high returns on investments, a thriving private sector, an open foreign exchange market, and a liberal economy.

He emphasized the country's unique geographical location, which positions it to access the entire regional market hence calling upon Iranian investors to explore opportunities in agro-industrialization, value addition, and to discover Uganda's distinctive tourist attractions.

Turning to the multilateral arena, Oryem highlighted the shared membership of Uganda and Iran in the Non-Aligned Movement and G77+China, underscoring their alignment on economic development, peace, and security.

He noted Iran's active participation in the 19th NAM and Third South Summits held in Kampala in January 2024, where Iran's high-level delegation demonstrated their commitment to advancing shared goals within these multilateral forums.