KAMPALA, UGANDA — The outgoing Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Uganda, H.E. Mr. Majid Saffar, has highlighted the strong potential for enhanced cooperation between Iran and Uganda in agriculture, education, science, culture, and economic development as he concludes his four-year diplomatic mission in the country.

Ambassador Saffar made the remarks during a farewell visit to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), where he was received by the Grand Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, alongside his deputies, the Secretary General, the Public Relations Officer, and members of the Iranian delegation.

The ambassador also reflected on his diplomatic mission and Iran–Uganda relations during an appearance on Radio Bilal 94.1 FM, hosted by Kalule Moses, where he discussed areas of cooperation, including Uganda’s chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), economic relations, and opportunities for future collaboration.

Grand Mufti Commends Iran–Uganda Relations

During the farewell meeting, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje extended his condolences to Ambassador Saffar following the recent death of his father. He also expressed appreciation for the ambassador’s service, cooperation, and engagement with Uganda’s Muslim community throughout his diplomatic tenure.

The Grand Mufti underscored the importance of unity among Muslims, observing that division among Muslim communities can undermine their collective strength and influence. He also made remarks concerning Iran’s determination to defend its sovereignty amid ongoing challenges and concerns surrounding ceasefire commitments.

Sheikh Mubaje commended the Government of Uganda for providing an environment in which Muslims can freely practise their faith, worship, and express themselves without undue interference or restrictions.

He further expressed concern about reports of actions affecting Muslim communities in other countries, including those attributed to the Saudi Arabian government.

Deputy Mufti Calls for Joint Development Projects

The Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, thanked Ambassador Saffar for his leadership and contribution during his diplomatic mission.

Sheikh Waiswa called for the establishment of practical joint projects between the Muslim community in Uganda and the Islamic Republic of Iran to strengthen existing relations and deliver tangible benefits to Ugandan Muslims.

He also offered prayers for the success, unity, and prosperity of the Muslim community in Uganda, emphasizing the value of partnerships that translate diplomatic goodwill into meaningful development initiatives.

UMSC National Women Chairperson Appreciates Ambassador’s Support

Hajat Sophie Saffina Kenyonyi, Chairperson of the National Muslim Women Council (UMSC), expressed appreciation on behalf of the council for Ambassador Saffar’s continued commitment to the Muslim community in Uganda.

She commended the ambassador for consistently attending and supporting Muslim community activities throughout his tenure, describing his presence and engagement as important gestures that strengthened relations between Iran and Uganda’s Muslim community.

She thanked him for his cooperation and solidarity and wished him success in his future diplomatic assignments.

Ambassador Highlights Education, Science and Cultural Exchange

In his remarks, Ambassador Saffar emphasized the importance of protecting human life, citing the Qur’anic teaching that taking the life of one person is comparable to killing all humanity.

He noted that Iran and Uganda have considerable opportunities to expand cooperation beyond diplomatic engagement, particularly in cultural exchange, scientific research, education, and the sharing of knowledge and expertise.

According to the ambassador, stronger collaboration in these areas could contribute to socioeconomic transformation, skills development, and national progress in both countries.

He also reaffirmed Iran’s willingness to welcome more Ugandan students to its higher learning institutions, highlighting educational exchange as an important avenue for strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations.

NAM Summit Strengthens Diplomatic Engagement

Reflecting on the bilateral relationship, Ambassador Saffar recalled Uganda’s role as chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), during which Iran and Uganda participated in meetings and coordination among member states.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the two countries to interact on issues of mutual interest and underscored the importance of multilateral diplomacy in fostering cooperation among developing nations.

The ambassador’s reflections on the NAM Summit highlighted the value of continued diplomatic dialogue and collaboration in addressing shared priorities.

Iran Seeks Expanded Investment in Uganda’s Agricultural Sector

On economic cooperation, Ambassador Saffar noted that Iranian investors had already invested in agriculture and production in Uganda, while expressing readiness to explore additional opportunities.

He specifically identified oilseed production as a promising area for further investment, pointing to Uganda’s substantial land resources and agricultural potential.

He observed that increased investment in agricultural production could support Uganda’s drive towards greater self-sufficiency, improve livelihoods, create economic opportunities, and enhance the quality of life of its people.

The ambassador also emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties through partnerships that encourage investment, knowledge transfer, and the development of productive industries.

Radio Bilal Interview Reflects on Four-Year Diplomatic Mission

During his appearance on Radio Bilal 94.1 FM with host Kalule Moses, Ambassador Saffar reflected on his four years of diplomatic service in Uganda, highlighting cooperation in multilateral diplomacy, economic relations, and other areas of mutual interest.

The interview provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of his mission and the prospects for deepening relations between Iran and Uganda beyond his departure.

His remarks underscored the importance of maintaining diplomatic engagement and building on existing partnerships to expand cooperation in sectors that directly benefit the people of both countries.

Commitment to Continued Cooperation

The farewell visit to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council marked an opportunity to acknowledge Ambassador Saffar’s engagement with Uganda’s Muslim community and reflect on the relationship between the council and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The discussions emphasized the potential for stronger collaboration in education, agriculture, science, culture, and community development, alongside continued diplomatic and economic engagement between the two countries.

As Ambassador Saffar concludes his diplomatic assignment in Uganda, the expressed commitment to further cooperation provides a foundation for continued engagement between Iran, Uganda, and the Ugandan Muslim community.