The Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Majid Saffar, has reassured the Ugandan government of the strength and continuity of their diplomatic ties, despite the recent death of President Ebrahim Raisi. Speaking to the media in Kampala, Ambassador Saffar confirmed that according to Iran’s constitution, a new government will be formed within 50 days, and he expects the ongoing cooperation between the two countries to persist.
“We, as the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, have established several partnerships with the Ugandan government, and I am confident that we will uphold the agreements made with President Raisi,” Ambassador Saffar stated. He highlighted that numerous Iranian diplomats have visited Uganda, reinforcing the bilateral relations.
The Ambassador emphasized that the agreements cover various sectors and that the collaboration will continue under the new leadership despite the tragic passing of President Raisi. He expressed grief over the loss of several key Iranian leaders, including President Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash while traversing the mountainous Azerbaijan-Iran border under adverse weather conditions.
President Raisi and seven others on board perished in the crash, prompting Iran to declare five days of mourning. Mr. Abdollah Abbasi, the Cultural Counsellor at the Iranian Embassy, reflected on President Raisi’s dedication and tireless service to the Iranian people during his tenure. Abbasi also recalled the strong relationship between President Raisi and Ugandan President Museveni, marked by their mutual respect and cooperation.
During President Raisi’s visit to Uganda in July 2023, the two nations signed four cooperative agreements to enhance ties, covering visa waivers, agricultural cooperation, and the establishment of a joint permanent intergovernmental commission. President Museveni noted the importance of learning from Iran’s experience in countering Western hegemony, particularly regarding oil and gas refinery construction.
About President Ebrahim Raisi:
Ebrahim Raisi, a hard-line cleric closely aligned with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was elected President of Iran in 2021, solidifying conservative control over the country. His presidency faced numerous challenges, including economic difficulties and stalled nuclear deal negotiations. His tenure also saw significant anti-government protests and heightened tensions with Israel. Raisi was under scrutiny from human rights activists for his alleged involvement in the mass executions of political prisoners in the 1980s.
