KAMPALA. His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa was among the dignitaries, including diplomats, who attended an event organized by the Consulate of the Arab Republic of Syria in Uganda at Hotel Africana on the evening of December 8, 2025. The Chief Guest was Hon. Henry Oryem Okello, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, while Sheikh Waiswa represented His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda.
Guests heard speeches from both the host, delivered by H.E. Dr. Tamouth Moustafa, the Honorary Syrian Consul to Uganda, and Hon. Henry Oryem Okello, representing the Ugandan government.
Dr. Moustafa described the event as a celebration marking the end of tyrannical regimes that caused immense suffering to the Syrian people over decades. “Warm greetings from the world’s oldest capital, Damascus. It is now a year and a half since Almighty Allah enabled the Syrian people to liberate themselves from all forms of violence and senseless killings,” he remarked. He also highlighted ongoing challenges hindering full recovery in Syria, including continued aggression from Israel, among others. Dr. Moustafa concluded by expressing gratitude to the Ugandan government and its citizens for welcoming Syrian nationals who have established successful businesses, and he pledged, on behalf of Syria’s new leadership, to strengthen close bilateral ties with African countries, including Uganda.
Oryem Okello reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting peaceful resolutions to conflicts in the war-torn Syrian Republic. He further emphasized Uganda’s readiness to deepen mutual cooperation, particularly in knowledge and cultural exchange, which has long existed between the two countries. He also highlighted vast opportunities for technical and developmental collaboration. He concluded by pledging that Uganda will always stand by Syria.