Hawzah News Agency- Saffar made the remarks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during a farewell meeting with Uganda's Mufti, Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, at the headquarters of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) in Kampala. The meeting was held on the eve of the end of his diplomatic mission in the country.
In his remarks, Saffar thanked the Ugandan Mufti and the people of Uganda for the warm reception and cooperation extended to him during his stay and mission, saying: "Your Eminence the Mufti, I am grateful for the hospitality and great kindness you have shown me."
He also addressed the ongoing dispute in the Persian Gulf region, describing the attack on Iran as an act of aggression. He emphasized that his country's measures in response to the attack were taken within the framework of self-defense and in accordance with international law regarding the sovereignty and independence of states.
Referring to Uganda's position as chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), of which both Iran and Uganda are members, the Iranian ambassador noted that the two countries can use their diplomatic cooperation as a basis for further strengthening relations and expanding bilateral cooperation.
Saffar went on to outline opportunities for developing cooperation in cultural, scientific, and educational exchanges, stating that Iran is ready to cooperate with Uganda in the exchange of research, knowledge, skills, and scientific expertise—cooperation that could play an effective role in Uganda's social transformation and national development.
He also stated that a number of Iranian companies are currently operating in Uganda, and other companies are interested in investment opportunities in the country, particularly in the agricultural sector.
"Currently, several Iranian companies are active in Uganda, and other companies are prepared to examine investment opportunities in areas such as oilseed cultivation and livestock farming. Access to land, suitable climatic conditions, and other natural resources are among the factors that make these opportunities attractive," he added.
Saffar also emphasized Iran's readiness to admit more Ugandan students to Iranian higher education institutions, describing this as part of efforts to expand scientific and academic cooperation and consolidate relations between the two countries.
Ugandan Mufti's Response
In turn, Mufti Mubaje offered condolences over the recent passing of the Iranian ambassador's father and expressed appreciation for the services Saffar rendered during his mission in Uganda on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its people.
The Ugandan Mufti also thanked the country's government for continuing bilateral cooperation with Iran and for respecting religious freedoms, saying: "We Muslims also thank the government for providing us, like other religious groups, the freedom to worship and practice our religious beliefs."
Mufti Mubaje further commended the Iranian ambassador's close relations with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council during his tenure, saying: "We wish you success in your new responsibilities; without a doubt, we will miss you."
He also called on the parties involved in the ongoing dispute in the Persian Gulf region to resolve their differences through peaceful means.
Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, Deputy Mufti of Uganda, and Hajjah Sophie Safina Kenyangi, Chairperson of the Uganda Muslim Women's Council, also expressed appreciation for the Iranian ambassador's leadership and his support for the people of Uganda during his mission.
At the end of the meeting, Sheikh Mubaje presented commemorative gifts bearing the emblem of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council to Saffar in appreciation of his services and cooperation with the Islamic institution.
Before leaving Uganda, Saffar also participated in a live radio interview on Bilal Radio, affiliated with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, bidding farewell to the people of Uganda.
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