The invited guests included but not least to the following Ms. Paulina Chiwangu, the UN Women country representative, H.E. Muhammad Tezikuba Kisambira, Ugandan Ambassador in Tehran, Prof. Adam Sebyala, the President of Uganda Shia Ithna Ashari Muslim Community (USHIAMCO), Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga, the Vice Chancellor, Kampala University, Prof. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, the Vice Chancellor, Islamic University in Uganda among others.

 

This annual ceremony was attended by three ministers; Hon. Okello Oryem, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rtd Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, the Minister of Security and Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu. Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.

Hon. Okello Oryem, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs who was the chief guest and congratulated the Iranian Ambassador upon presenting his credentials to the president of Uganda.

He also congratulated the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran upon the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

He testified that they enjoy diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and Uganda has received many Iranian presidents.

The president of Uganda has visited Iran for five years, had many Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and foreign exchange visits.

He mentioned about the establishment of the Iran Uganda hospital which offers first class services to Ugandans.

He prayed for increased trade relations in the fields of oil and gas, petrol and biochemical fields.

 Uganda condemned the unfair sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic of Iran by the western countries.

He said that there's no place for such sanctions especially in this age of enlightenment.

While speaking, His Excellency Mr. Majid Saffar, he welcomed invited guests to the glorious celebrations of the Islamic Revolution which was under the charismatic leadership of Imam Khomeini and continued by Imam seyyed Ali Khamenei.

 

He expressed gratitude to the president of the Republic of Uganda and his cabinet for the continued cooperation at bilateral, regional and international levels.

The establishment of peace, stability and security in Uganda has created an enabling environment for trade which has boosted economic development and improvement of social welfare of the people.

In the same regard, he voiced his continued support to the government of Uganda in fulfilment of the NRM strategic plans such as monetizing the economy through involving households in commercial agriculture and value addition.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is seeking to strengthen relations between two countries in political, economic and cultural levels.

He further said that the great nation of Iran with trust in God, trust in wise longsighted leaders and with reliance on its internal capabilities which has helped in restructuring and developing its own country regardless of the great deal of restrictions, economic sanctions.

 

Among the achievements of the Islamic Revolution, he said was establishment of the desired system by vote of confidence by over 98% in favour of the Islamic Republic.

Scientific breakthroughs at different areas such as nanotechnology, stem cells, telecommunications, airspace, peaceful nuclear energy, laser, microelectronics, and robotics.

The rise of the nationwide literacy from 35% before the revolution to over 90%.

Securing the first place in medicine production in middle East and producing over 97% of all required medicines inside the country.

Increase in the number of physicians from 15,000 to over150,000 and university students from 175,000 to over 4,200,000.

Growth and development of industries, including energy, power plants, production of all powerplant equipments from designing to steel, copper, and cement, manufacture of oil and petrochemical refineries, manufacture of airplanes, helicopters, drones etc.

In agriculture, they have turned from a country totally depending on imports of essential goods to relatively self-sufficient country for mechanized irrigation systems.

In urban infrastructure, they have provided utilities such as electrical power, water, and gas through pipelines to all Iranian cities and more than 85% of villages.

They have increased the number of reservoir dams from 13 to more than 500.

 

Exhibition:

The Minister of state for foreign affairs, visited the Iranian Cultural and art exhibition at Sheraton Hotel Kampala and Mr. Abdollah Abbasi, the Cultural Counsellor donated some Iranian books.

While exhibiting, he also visited Iran - Uganda hospital stall and Al-Mustafa Islamic college that showcased services they offer in health and education respectively.

At the end of his speech, he expressed gratitude to all participants who attended the glorious celebrations.

 

 

Cutting the cake session, Iran at 44

H.E. Majid Saffar, the Iranian Ambassador to Uganda

 

Hon. Okello Oryem, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, speaking during the celebrations

 

The Iranian Ambassador greets the Ugandan Security Minister

 

                           Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister for Energy and Rtd Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, the Minister of Security

Mr. Abdollah Abbasi, the Cultural Consular greets Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga, the Vice Chancellor of Kampala University

 

Dr. Ahmed Kisuule, the former Ugandan Ambassador to Tehran, Hon. Okello Oryem, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs and IUIU Rector

 

 

 

Iran - Uganda Hospital stall