NATIONAL
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Affairs, Hon. John Mulimba, officially received copies of letters of credentials from H.E. Ahmend Abdullah Al-Zweidi, the Ambassador-Designate of the State of Qatar to Uganda, during a ceremony held at the Ministry Headquarters in Kampala.
In his remarks, Hon. Mulimba expressed gratitude to the State of Qatar for its support in facilitating the successful coordination of the 2nd Uganda-Qatar Business Forum held in October 2025 through Uganda’s embassy in Doha. He commended Qatar’s decision to open an embassy in Uganda, calling it a “true testimony of the growing bilateral relations” between the two nations.
The Minister welcomed Ambassador Al-Zweidi to Uganda, noting the country’s peaceful atmosphere amid ongoing Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Council elections. He emphasized the importance of translating diplomatic ties into tangible economic partnerships, highlighting key sectors for collaboration including agro-processing, tourism, manufacturing, mineral development, oil and gas, and technological innovation.
Hon. Mulimba shared trade statistics that reflect the strengthening economic relationship: Uganda’s exports to Qatar have grown from USD 20 million to USD 34 million over the past decade, while Qatar’s exports to Uganda increased from USD 17 million to USD 26 million. He expressed optimism that the presence of a resident ambassador would further boost trade volumes.
Ambassador Al-Zweidi, in his remarks, expressed delight at being in Uganda and praised the country’s climate and hospitality. He pledged to deepen the bilateral relationship and noted the increase in direct flights between Qatar and Entebbe from one to two daily as evidence of improved connectivity and trade.
He also committed to resolving financial transfer challenges faced by Ugandans in the Qatari diaspora and announced plans for several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the two countries. These MOUs will cover areas such as technological transfer, oil and gas, mineral development, tourism, agro-processing, and diplomatic cooperation.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of pleasantries, marking a promising new chapter in Uganda-Qatar relations.
