The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, Hon. John Mulimba, today received copies of the Letters of Credence from H.E. Ahmed Abdullah Al-Zweidi, the Ambassador-Designate of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Uganda, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Kampala.
In his remarks, Mulimba welcomed Ambassador Al-Zweidi to Uganda and conveyed the Government’s appreciation to the State of Qatar for its growing cooperation with Uganda. He commended Qatar for facilitating the successful coordination of the 2nd Uganda – Qatar Business Forum held in October 2025 and for the decision to open an embassy in Kampala, describing it as “a true testimony of the deepening bilateral relations between our two nations.”
The Minister noted that Uganda is currently in a peaceful election period and emphasized the importance of transforming the warm diplomatic ties into tangible economic and development partnerships.
“Our focus should be on translating these relations into real economic and diplomatic partnerships that support Uganda’s goal of attaining a USD 500 billion economy,” Mulimba said.
“This will be realized through joint investments in agro-processing, tourism, manufacturing, minerals, oil and gas, and technological innovation.”
He highlighted that 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 have increased from USD 17 million to USD 26 million.
With the presence of a resident Qatari Ambassador in Kampala, Mulimba expressed optimism that bilateral trade volumes will increase further.
Strengthening bilateral ties
In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmed Abdullah Al-Zweidi expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and commended Uganda’s peaceful environment and hospitable people.
He pledged to strengthen the existing relations between Uganda and Qatar, noting that the increase in direct flights between Doha and Entebbe from one to two per day is evidence of the expanding trade and people-to-people linkages.
The Ambassador also promised to address challenges faced by Ugandans in the Qatari diaspora, particularly regarding the transfer of funds between the two countries.
He further revealed that several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) are being prepared in the areas of technological transfer, oil and gas, mineral development, tourism, agro-processing, and diplomacy.
The meeting concluded with the exchange of pleasantries and reaffirmation of the shared commitment to enhancing Uganda–Qatar cooperation.
