New Iranian cultural consul believes he is an African

Aug 24, 2020

As an African at heart, though not with colour, Sofla is no stranger to Africa.

Mohammed Reza Ghezel Sofla, the new cultural consul of the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Uganda is friendly and easily mingles with people.

Barely, two years in his office, Sofla has already made friends with many Ugandans.  In fact at his office reception, a line of people wait to speak to him including students, religious leaders and lay people.   

These he greets with a smile as he kindly tells them to wait until he finishes with the person he is currently talking with.

Born in 1961, Sofla replaced Ali Bakhtiari an Iran Consul, whose contract ended in August, 2018.

He has been around Africa

As an African at heart, though not with colour, Sofla is no stranger to Africa.  

Sofla planting the Iran-Uganda tree in October at Nkumba Univeristy last year


He has worked in more than three African countries for nine years. "I have been to Ghana, Sierre-leone, and Ivory Coast," he says.

In West Africa, Sofla worked there for nine years. In fact, Sofla's eldest son, Hamin Sofla is married to a Sierra Leone native, Agifa Baby Fatima Sofla.They have two children: Sarah and Mahdy.

"I have two chocolate grandchildren, Sarah was named after my late grandmother while Mahdy was named after my late father," Sofla proudly reveals. 

To further emphasise that there is no discrimination in Iran, Hamim's wife was named Fatima, a name Sofla intimates it belonged to their dear late mother.

Concerning the marriage, Sofla says it was not only a blessing to both countries, but it brought them closer. 

"All human beings have their own rights," he says. "Race or colour is not important. What is important are the humanitarian issues. They both had Christian and Muslim counselling."

Sofla says Uganda has not been a challenge to work with since he has become part of the African culture and family. 

Sofla at the introduction ceremony of the former minister for elderly Sulaiman Madada last year


"My youngest son Hossein Sofla who is 20 years old   was born in Ghana.   His Ghanaian name is  Kuweku because he was born on Wednesday," he says. Adding: "I hope that in future, Hossein will choose his bride from Uganda. Then the East and West Africa will become one."

Sofla reveals his best time in Ghana was when the farmers were planting and harvesting rice.

"There used to be a gentleman who played a xylophone as farmers planted and harvested," he says."This intrigued me because the music gave the workers   zeal to continue with the work."

Promoting Iran's relations to Uganda

Since he has traversed the African nations, Sofla believes that Iran and Uganda have the best relationship.

As a cultural counsel of Iran in the republic of Uganda, Sofla says both Uganda and Iran have a cultural agreement.

"This is to introduce culture, art and folklore of Islamic republic of Iran to Uganda and to introduce Uganda's culture and art to Iran. We hope through that both cultures will know each other," he says.

According to Sofla, this he has done through organizing art exhibitions, films, seminars and festivals.

Although right now, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, nothing can be done.

But before the pandemic, Sofla has attended events aimed at bringing Iran and Uganda together. 

These include film festivals, book awards, art exhibitions, Quran readings and seminars.

He has also graced schools and colleges for instance last year; he was at Nkumba University's students' leadership seminar. 

"I encouraged students to be educated in all aspects of life so that they can make better leaders of Uganda's tomorrow," he urged then.

While in Sierra Leone, Sofla   lectured at the University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College free of charge.

"I was teaching Iranlogy that is introduction of culture and signs, Iran and civilisations, Iran's role to develop peace and human rights, Iran's role to develop literature and art," he states.

After lockdown, Sofla hopes to volunteer some of his precious time in colleges to benefit   the nation of Uganda.

A man of all seasons and a peace maker, Sofla believes in co-existence with all human beings.

During the Christmas season, Sofla says he was very active introducing how the holy Quran talks about Jesus Christ and St. Mary.

The Iranian cultural consul has been in Uganda for six years and they hope to make their presence in Uganda more prominent.

Amir Kaweesi, an administrator at the embassy says Sofla is a man of diversified culture. "He is willing to combat cultural invasion and promote diversity," he says.

He is a person willing to promote co-existence and working with other religions."

Sheikh Abdu Rahman of Kibuli mosque says Sofla is very hospitable and   welcomes every person as he or she is. He is also a very hard work who demands change every where he steps.

Family background

Sofla springs from the East North Province of Iran called Golestan. He    has been joined in holy matrimony to Roghyah for 32 years.

He has two boys and a daughter, Zahara, who is happily married with one son.  

Sofla   is the first born of   6 children. Five of them boys while one of them is a girl.

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