Kampala, Uganda: The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran marked the 47th anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution with a high-profile diplomatic reception in Kampala, using the occasion to warn the United States against military threats, sanctions and what it termed unilateral coercive policies.
The event, held on Tuesday evening at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, brought together senior Ugandan government officials, members of Parliament, diplomats, and representatives of international organisations, underscoring the growing diplomatic engagement between Iran and Uganda.
The ceremony was officiated by Majid Saffar, Iran’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Uganda, while the Government of Uganda was represented by Mohammad Ahmed Kisuule, Senior Presidential Advisor on Middle East Affairs, who served as Guest of Honour.
Iran Defends Revolution, Condemns Sanctions
In his keynote address, Ambassador Saffar described the 1979 Islamic Revolution as a defining moment that restored Iran’s sovereignty, independence and national dignity after decades of foreign interference.
“For 47 years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has followed a path of independence, self-reliance and rejection of foreign domination,” Saffar said, adding that Iran has continued to register economic, scientific and social progress despite prolonged sanctions and external pressure.
He highlighted Iran’s advances in nanotechnology, biotechnology, aerospace, pharmaceuticals and medical sciences, attributing the progress to domestic innovation, long-term planning and investment in human capital. The envoy also pointed to Iran’s transition toward a diversified, non-oil economy, emphasising self-sufficiency in strategic sectors.
Turning to global affairs, Ambassador Saffar issued a sharp rebuke of United States foreign policy, warning Washington against military threats and sanctions.
“Iran rejects the language of intimidation and war,” he said, cautioning that continued sanctions and military posturing by what he described as “war-monger forces” threaten global peace and stability. He reaffirmed Iran’s preference for diplomacy, dialogue and multilateral engagement grounded in international law and mutual respect.
Strengthening Uganda–Iran Ties
On bilateral relations, Ambassador Saffar described Uganda and Iran as natural partners bound by shared values of sovereignty, independence and South-South cooperation.
He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Uganda in agriculture, agro-processing, energy development, education and technology transfer, aligning with Uganda’s wealth creation and industrialisation agenda.
“Our objective is not to create dependency, but to empower,” Saffar said, noting Iran’s readiness to share expertise in mechanised agriculture, food processing, hydropower development and digital technologies.
Uganda Reaffirms Diplomatic Support
Representing the Government of Uganda, Amb. Dr Kisuule conveyed congratulations from Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Government and the people of Uganda to Iran on the anniversary.
He praised the resilience of the Iranian people in the face of sustained external pressure and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. “Uganda values the cordial relations it enjoys with the Islamic Republic of Iran, founded on mutual respect, dialogue and cooperation,” Kisuule said.
He highlighted Iran’s contribution to Uganda’s development, particularly in health services, pharmaceuticals, education and technical training, as well as progress in agricultural cooperation through irrigation, mechanisation and value addition.
While acknowledging that trade volumes between the two countries remain modest, Dr. Kisuule said there is significant potential for expanded trade, investment and private-sector collaboration, calling for renewed engagement through joint commissions and business partnerships.
At the multilateral level, he noted that Uganda and Iran share common positions within the Non-Aligned Movement, advocating respect for sovereignty, dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
