Uganda commemorates Saudi Arabia Day

Oct 06, 2016

The relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the African continent is a very old one spanning thousands of years.

Dr. Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo

On September 22, 2016, the embassy of the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Uganda commemorated their national day at Serena Hotel Kampala. Dr. Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, among other issues, spoke about the Saudi Arabia relationship with Uganda. Below are his highlights

The relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the African continent is a very old one spanning thousands of years. The initial relationship was based on mutual trade benefits between the Africans and the Arabs from the Arabian peninsula.

During the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the relationship between Africa and Mecca was further strengthened. Indeed, Africa was the first Dar er Salaam for the Muslims who were being persecuted in Mecca for their religious belief in the One God - Allah. It was during this historical migration of persecuted Muslims from Mecca to the Christian ruled Abyssinia that the first ever inter-religious collaboration and mutual relationship was established.

When the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established as a modern nation state in 1932 by His majesty the late King Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Saud, a new dawn was ushered in. As the years and decades went by, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia evolved into a modern state characterised by peace, development, global player, an economic power, and a compassionate state support a variety of humanitarian endeavours. Today the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a great nation that support all international global initiatives aimed at making the world a better place for all.

In the case of Uganda, the Government and people of Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial relations with the people of Uganda. Besides the endless support to the annual Muslim pilgrims, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has offered support to various development projects in Uganda. This relationship was greatly enhanced by the historical visit of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz to Uganda in 1972. Since then, Saudi Arabian support has increased. The following examples will suffice to make the point:

Establishment of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU): The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role in the establishment of the IUIU. In 1976, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia donated the first funds of $8m that was meant to help kick-start the planning and construction of the IUIU at Arivu in West Nile Region then. Part the money was used to develop a magnificent Master Plan for the University the other part was used to start the University in 1988. The other assistance the KSA has given to IUIU include the following:
   
Establishment of an endowment for the IUIU called the King Fahd Plaza which cost $8.5m to construct. This made IUIU the first University in Uganda to have such an endowment.   

Sponsorship of several staff members of IUIU to study masters and Phd degrees in Saudi Universities  

Various donations that have improved the facilities of the University thereby enabling it to serve the people of Uganda and Africa better.
   
Donation of $975,000 for construction of a library at the IUIU Main Campus in Mbale.

We are extremely grateful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and his government for the great support extended to IUIU.

Other projects in Uganda support by the KSA and/or the OIC:  After His Majesty King Faisal's visit to Uganda in 1972, he supported Uganda's application to become a member of the OIC. Through direct support from the KSA and OIC institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank (which is heavily support by the KSA), Uganda has received a lot of support in various sectors: These include the following:

Equipping of the Heart Institute at Mulago National Referral Hospital that cost $2m;

Rehabilitation of health facilities;
   
Support to the education sector such as assistance to several technical colleges;

Construction of bridges;

Road construction;

Electricity distribution to some parts of Uganda; etc

Generally, the Governments and peoples of Saudi Arabia and Uganda have had a mutually beneficial relationship for a long time. We pray to Allah to continue protecting both countries and help them to achieve excellent growth and development.

We thank Ambassador Dr. Jamal Al-Raffa for his support to the IUIU and the people of Uganda in various fields. May Allah continue to strengthen, protect and bless His Majesty the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the great people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The writer is the Rector Islamic University in Uganda

 

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