Kampala, Uganda – The Government of Uganda and the Islamic Republic of Iran continue to advance their long-standing diplomatic relations through sustained political dialogue and cooperation. As part of these engagements, Hon. Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Majid Saffar Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Uganda at the ministry headquarters in Kampala, aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.
Hon. Okello Oryem reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to nurturing constructive and mutually beneficial partnerships with Iran, anchored in shared principles of respect, dialogue, and South–South cooperation. He emphasised that Uganda values long-standing diplomatic relations that translate into tangible socio-economic outcomes for citizens, particularly through trade, investment, and knowledge exchange. “Uganda remains open to partnerships that promote development, industrial growth, and skills transfer. Our focus is on cooperation that delivers real benefits to our people,” Hon. Oryem noted.
Amb. Saffar underscored Iran’s interest in further strengthening bilateral ties with Uganda, particularly in sectors that align with Uganda’s national development priorities. He highlighted opportunities for expanded cooperation in agriculture, health, education, technology, and industrial development, noting that such engagement would support sustainable growth and job creation. “Iran attaches great importance to its relationship with Uganda and is keen to deepen cooperation that contributes to economic transformation and shared prosperity,” the Ambassador stated.
The Ambassador also informed the Minister that Iranian companies have expressed strong interest in investing in Uganda, citing a prospective investment in cocoa processing in the Bundibugyo region. The project is expected to add value to Uganda’s agricultural output, create employment opportunities, and strengthen local supply chains. Both sides welcomed the postponement of the next Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) meeting to mid-April 2026, agreeing that the additional time would allow for thorough preparation to ensure concrete and results-oriented outcomes.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintain regular diplomatic engagement and to translate political goodwill into practical cooperation that advances economic growth, investment, and people-to-people relations between Uganda and Iran.
