According to the Emirates News Agency, Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, met with the Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament to examine opportunities for closer parliamentary collaboration. The discussions highlighted the strong foundation of friendship between the UAE and Uganda and the role of legislative bodies in advancing mutual interests. Both officials emphasised the value of regular exchanges to support broader diplomatic and economic objectives.
The meeting underscored the progress in UAE-Uganda relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2007, a development the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has noted as pivotal for expanding cooperation. Data from Uganda’s Mission in Abu Dhabi places bilateral trade at roughly 4.72 billion US dollars by 2025, with the UAE serving as a primary destination for Ugandan exports including gold and agricultural products. An estimated 160,000 Ugandans reside and work in the UAE, adding a significant people-to-people dimension that parliamentarians agreed to nurture through enhanced dialogue.
Saqr Ghobash outlined the FNC’s commitment to activating parliamentary friendship committees as a means to sustain momentum in the relationship. He pointed to the potential for joint efforts in areas such as economic development and investment that align with both countries’ priorities. The Ugandan Speaker expressed appreciation for the UAE’s support in various sectors and conveyed an invitation for further engagement.
Regional and international matters of shared concern also featured in the talks, with both sides stressing the need for stability and adherence to international norms. The conversation reflected a mutual interest in leveraging parliamentary platforms to address global challenges. Such interactions form part of a pattern seen in recent meetings between UAE officials and African counterparts.
Uganda’s growing economic partnership with the UAE includes initiatives in infrastructure and renewable energy, according to reports from the Khaleej Times. These developments provide a practical basis for the parliamentary cooperation discussed in the meeting. Officials agreed that continued coordination would help realise the full potential of the strategic relationship.
In closing the discussions, the two speakers committed to follow-up actions that would translate the talks into tangible outcomes for their respective assemblies. This includes potential visits and knowledge sharing on legislative best practices. The engagement adds to a series of high-level contacts that have marked the evolution of UAE-Uganda ties over the past year.
