The Uganda Embassy Abu Dhabi held a grand diplomatic reception on Wednesday 9^th October 2024 at the Rixos Marina, Abu Dhabi Hotel to celebrate the 63^rd Anniversary of Uganda’s independence. The guest of honour was His Excellency Salem Aljaberi, Director of the African Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.

In his remarks at the colourful event that was attended by over sixty heads of diplomatic missions, His Excellency Zaake W. Kibedi, the Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to the United Arab Emirates stated that the National Day was a reminder of the journey Uganda has travelled as a nation from the struggles of the past to the peace, progress and prosperity it enjoys today.

He recognised and saluted the strong bonds of friendship that exist between Uganda and the United Arab Emirates where the relationship has been built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to peace and prosperity which is best exemplified by the fact his Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda had visited the UAE three times in the past four years alone.

Ambassador Kibedi added that the relationship between Uganda and the UAE has been anchored on commercial and economic diplomacy which served as the rationale for the opening of the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2009 and later on, the Uganda Consulate General in Dubai in 2022.

He further commended the blossoming trade between both countries whereby in 2023, Uganda exported goods worth US$ 2.03 Billion to the UAE making the UAE Uganda’s leading export destination. In the same vein, UAE companies have invested over US $ 3 Billion in Uganda especially in energy, infrastructure, heath care, agri-business, oil and gas and tourism.

In conclusion, he extended heartfelt appreciation to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates for their warm hospitality and continued friendship which has been instrumental in strengthening the bilateral relations.