Iran Marks Islamic Revolution Anniversary In Kampala, Warns ‘War Monger’ US Against Military Threats & Sanctions

By Frank Kamuntu

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Tuesday evening hosted a grand dinner reception at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala to commemorate the 47th Anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution, drawing senior government officials, diplomats, legislators, and representatives of international organizations.

The high-profile event underscored the longstanding diplomatic relations between Iran and Uganda and highlighted growing cooperation between the two countries across key sectors including agriculture, health, education, energy, and technology.

The ceremony was officiated by H.E. Majid Saffar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Uganda, with the Government of Uganda represented by Amb. Dr. Mohammad Ahmed Kisuule, Senior Presidential Advisor on Middle East Affairs, who served as Guest of Honour.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Saffar described the 1979 Islamic Revolution as a historic turning point that restored Iran’s national sovereignty, independence, and dignity, following decades of foreign interference.

“For 47 years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has pursued a path based on independence, self-reliance, and rejection of foreign domination,” Ambassador Saffar said, noting that Iran has continued to register scientific, economic, and social progress despite decades of sanctions and external pressure.

He highlighted Iran’s advances in nanotechnology, biotechnology, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and medical sciences, attributing the achievements to domestic innovation, strategic planning, and sustained investment in human capital. He further noted Iran’s shift toward a diversified, non-oil economy, with emphasis on self-sufficiency in critical sectors.

Addressing global affairs, Ambassador Saffar strongly criticized what he described as hostile policies pursued by the United States, warning Washington against military threats, sanctions, and unilateral actions.

“Iran rejects the language of intimidation and war,” he said, cautioning that continued sanctions and military posturing by what he termed “war-monger forces” undermine global peace and stability. He reaffirmed Iran’s preference for diplomacy, dialogue, and multilateralism based on mutual respect and international law.

On bilateral relations, Ambassador Saffar described Uganda and Iran as natural partners united by shared values of independence, sovereignty, and South-South cooperation. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Uganda, particularly in agriculture, agro-processing, energy development, and technology transfer, in line with Uganda’s wealth creation and industrialization agenda.

“Our goal is not to create dependency, but to empower,” he said, adding that Iran stands ready to share expertise in mechanized farming, food processing, hydropower development, and digital technologies.

Representing the Government of Uganda, Amb. Dr. Kisuule conveyed warm congratulations from H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Government, and the people of Uganda to Iran on the occasion of the anniversary.

He praised the resilience of the Iranian people in the face of external pressure and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening relations with Iran, describing the bilateral partnership as cordial and steadily growing.

“Uganda values the relations it enjoys with the Islamic Republic of Iran, founded on mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation,” Dr. Kisuule said.

He highlighted Iran’s contributions to Uganda’s development, particularly in health services, pharmaceuticals, education, and technical training, as well as progress in agricultural cooperation through technology exchange, irrigation, mechanization, and value addition.

While acknowledging that trade volumes between the two countries remain modest, Dr. Kisuule emphasized the significant potential for expanded trade, investment, and private sector collaboration, calling for renewed engagement through joint commissions and business-to-business partnerships.

At the multilateral level, he noted that Uganda and Iran share common positions within the Non-Aligned Movement, advocating dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful resolution of disputes.

The event concluded with renewed calls from both sides to strengthen South-South cooperation and deepen bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of the peoples of Iran and Uganda.