Uganda Celebrates National Day With UAE Diplomatic Reception

The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in the UAE hosted a reception on Thursday to celebrate the country’s National Day. The event brought together officials and members of the Arab and international diplomatic corps accredited to the UAE. Maha Harqous, Deputy Director of the African Affairs Department at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the celebration.

Ambassador Highlights Bilateral Ties

In his address, Zaake Kibedi, Ambassador of Uganda to the UAE, emphasised the strong diplomatic ties between Uganda and the UAE since 2007. He highlighted the shared commitment of both countries’ leadership to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors, fostering development and mutual growth.

Kibedi noted that recent high-level visits and meetings have created new opportunities to enhance collaboration in economic, trade, cultural, developmental, and political fields, reflecting the deepening partnership between Uganda and the UAE.

UAE Recognition and Support

Maha Harqous expressed her honour in joining Uganda’s 63rd independence anniversary celebrations. She praised Uganda’s constructive leadership and conveyed the UAE’s warm congratulations to both the government and people of Uganda.

Harqous highlighted the signing of bilateral agreements in sectors including energy, infrastructure, transport, and digital services, illustrating the growing economic cooperation between the two nations. She also noted that the UAE has become Uganda’s top trading partner, with bilateral trade doubling in 2024 to $2.85 billion, demonstrating the strong economic bond.

Cultural Celebrations

The event concluded with traditional Ugandan cultural performances, showcasing the country’s rich heritage and vibrant traditions. Guests were treated to music, dance, and other cultural displays that highlighted Uganda’s unique identity and strengthened people-to-people connections between the nations.

The cultural segment allowed attendees to experience Uganda’s heritage firsthand, reinforcing the importance of cultural exchange as part of bilateral relations.

Strengthening Future Cooperation

Both the UAE and Uganda reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. The celebration highlighted the shared vision for deeper cooperation, setting a platform for future initiatives aimed at sustainable development and mutual prosperity.

Events such as this National Day reception reinforce the growing friendship and partnership between Uganda and the UAE, reflecting not only official relations but also connections among communities, businesses, and cultural entities.