Qatar to Open Resident Embassy in Kampala

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, Hon. John Mulimba, received copies of letters of credence from H.E. Ahmed Mohammed Abdulrahman Abdullah Al Zwaidi, Ambassador-designate of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Uganda, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador-designate Al Zwaidi conveyed warm greetings from his Government and formally announced Qatar’s decision to establish a Resident Embassy in Uganda — a significant step reflecting the importance Doha places on its bilateral relationship with Kampala. “It is an honour to be appointed the first Resident Ambassador to Uganda,” he said.

While Uganda already maintains a Resident Embassy in Doha, Qatar’s representation to Uganda has until now been managed on a non-resident basis through its Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.

In welcoming the new Ambassador-designate, Hon. Mulimba expressed appreciation to the Government of Qatar for the decision to open an Embassy in Kampala, describing it as a strong testament to the deepening ties between the two nations.

Amb Al Zwaidi being escorted from the credentials ceremony by Chief of Protocol Amb Charles Ssentongo

He also congratulated Qatar on successfully hosting the 2nd Edition of the Uganda–Qatar Business Forum in October 2025, noting that such engagements are key to translating diplomatic relations into tangible economic partnerships.

Highlighting the steady trade growth, Hon. Mulimba noted that Uganda’s exports to Qatar have increased from USD 20 million to USD 34 million over the past decade, while Qatar’s exports to Uganda have risen from USD 17 million to USD 26 million. He expressed optimism that with resident embassies in both countries, trade volumes will expand further.

He also pointed out potential areas for enhanced cooperation, including agro-processing, tourism, manufacturing, minerals, oil and gas, and technology transfer in science and innovation.

L-R Amb Yahya Semuddu Special Envoy to the State of Qatar Ambb-designate Al Zwaidi Hon Mulimba

Ambassador-designate Al Zwaidi reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, revealing plans to sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in areas such as trade, investment, and diplomatic consultations.

He also noted the recent increase in direct Qatar Airways flights between Doha and Entebbe—from one to two daily—as a clear reflection of the growing trade and movement of people between the two countries.