Uganda, Qatar Commit to Deepen Diplomatic Relations

Doha, Qatar | 26 July 2026

Uganda and Qatar have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic cooperation and working together to promote peace, stability and shared prosperity.

The commitment followed talks between Uganda’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, and Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, in Doha on Sunday.

During the meeting, Hon. Kasolo conveyed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s condolences to the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Government and people of Qatar following the death of the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The former Qatari ruler died on 12 July 2026 at the age of 74. He served as Amir from 1995 until 2013, when he voluntarily handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim. Sheikh Hamad is widely credited with overseeing Qatar’s transformation into a major global economic, diplomatic and media power.

Kasolo and Al-Khulaifi also reviewed the state of bilateral relations between Uganda and Qatar and explored opportunities for deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The discussions covered regional developments, with both sides emphasising the importance of dialogue, peaceful conflict resolution and stronger diplomatic engagement in addressing security and political challenges.

Ambassador Dr. Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu (3rd L), Uganda’s Special Presidential Envoy to the State of Qatar, Ambassador Muhammad Baswale Kezaala, Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of Uganda in Doha, and Mr. Jesse Rubongoya Musinguzi, Personal Assistant to the Minister also attended the meeting.

Qatar commended President Museveni’s leadership and his contribution towards promoting dialogue, peace and stability within Uganda’s neighbouring region and across the African continent.

The two officials reaffirmed the commitment of Kampala and Doha to building a stronger partnership founded on mutual respect, peace, stability and shared prosperity.

The meeting underscored the growing diplomatic relationship between Uganda and Qatar as the two countries seek to expand cooperation beyond traditional political engagements into investment, trade and other areas of economic development.

Dr. Al-Khulaifi regularly leads Qatar’s engagements on mediation, regional security and diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and resolving conflicts through peaceful dialogue.

Kasolo’s meeting with Al-Khulaifi formed part of a wider diplomatic mission to Doha. The Acting Foreign Minister also held talks with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

During that engagement, Sheikh Mohammed formally received President Museveni’s condolence message to the State of Qatar. The two officials also discussed bilateral cooperation, ways of strengthening it and other matters of mutual interest.

The high-level engagements signal the determination of Uganda and Qatar to maintain regular political consultations while developing practical partnerships capable of delivering economic opportunities and contributing to regional and international peace.

Uganda has recently intensified its economic and commercial diplomacy engagements with Qatar, particularly in attracting investment into infrastructure, mining, manufacturing, energy and real estate development.

The latest talks are expected to provide fresh momentum to relations between Kampala and Doha as both governments work towards translating their diplomatic friendship into tangible political, economic and development cooperation.