The State of Qatar has announced plans to open a resident embassy in Uganda, marking a new milestone in the growing diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.

The announcement was made by Ahmed Mohammed Abdulrahman Abdullah Al Zwaidi, Qatar’s Ambassador-designate to Uganda, while presenting copies of his letters of credence to John Mulimba, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala.

“It is an honor to be appointed the first resident ambassador to Uganda,” said Ambassador-designate Al Zwaidi, emphasizing Qatar’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Until now, Qatar’s mission to Uganda has operated on a non-resident basis from Nairobi, Kenya. The new embassy will cement formal diplomatic representation in Kampala and enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and development.

Mulimba welcomed the decision, describing it as a “true reflection of the growing partnership” between Uganda and Qatar. He congratulated the Gulf state for successfully hosting the 2nd Edition of the Uganda–Qatar Business Forum in October 2025, which he said laid a strong foundation for practical economic collaboration.

“With resident ambassadors in both countries, trade volumes between Uganda and Qatar are expected to multiply further,” Mulimba noted.

Trade between the two countries has steadily increased over the past decade. Uganda’s exports to Qatar rose from USD 20 million to USD 34 million, while Qatar’s exports to Uganda grew from USD 17 million to USD 26 million.

The minister highlighted new areas of partnership, including agro-processing, tourism, manufacturing, minerals, oil and gas, and technology transfer, particularly in science and innovation.

Ambassador-designate Al Zwaidi revealed that the Government of Qatar plans to sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Uganda across these sectors, as well as in diplomatic consultations. He also cited the increase in Qatar Airways flights to Entebbe, from one to two daily as evidence of deepening ties and rising people-to-people connections.

The establishment of the Qatari Embassy in Kampala is expected to further boost trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the two nations, positioning Uganda as a key East African partner in Qatar’s growing engagement with Africa.