Uganda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Brunei Darussalam, Her Excellency Amb. Betty Oyella Bigombe officially presented her Letters of Credence to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah during a formal ceremony at Istana Nurul Iman, the royal palace of Brunei Darussalam.
This ceremony marked the official start of Amb. Bigombe’s diplomatic duties in Brunei. She was accompanied by Mr. Emmanuel Tugume, Financial Attaché at the Uganda High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, who arrived in advance to coordinate protocol arrangements.
Upon her arrival at Brunei International Airport, Ambassador Bigombe received full diplomatic honours from Mr Zainuddin Zainal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, supported by Embassy staff. A formal reception was held at the VIP Lounge before she proceeded to her hotel.
Earlier that day, the Ambassador participated in a high-level diplomatic brunch hosted by Brunei’s Minister of Foreign Affairs II, Yang Berhormat Dato Erywan Pehin Mohd Yusof, at the International Convention Centre.
The event brought together newly arrived Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate, offering a platform to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, education, and South-South collaboration.
During the credential presentation, Her Excellency conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the people of Uganda. His Majesty the Sultan graciously received the Ambassador and expressed Brunei’s commitment to deepening ties with Uganda.
On Sunday, 18th May 2025, Amb. Bigombe met with Ms. Shadia Marhaban, a former UN official and proprietor of Jumpa Coffee and Roastery in Bandar Seri Begawan. Ms. Marhaban proudly promotes Ugandan coffee through her enterprise.
The Ambassador commended her efforts in promoting Ugandan products and strengthening people-to-people diplomacy. The meeting also included an engaging discussion with African students studying in Brunei, focusing on cultural exchange and diaspora empowerment.
Before her departure, the Mission presented symbolic gifts to His Majesty the Sultan and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a gesture of goodwill and friendship.
Ambassador Bigombe departed Brunei later that day through the VIP Lounge at Brunei International Airport, concluding a successful diplomatic mission that laid a strong foundation for enhanced bilateral relations between Uganda and Brunei Darussalam.
