KAMPALA, Uganda — Makerere University Business School has hosted a commemoration of the 36th death anniversary of Imam Khomeini, drawing a diverse group of dignitaries, academics, and students. The event highlighted Khomeini’s enduring influence and the strengthening ties between Uganda and Iran.
The function, moderated by Hon. Issah Katungulu Luyimbaazi, the African Youth Ambassador, featured remarks from numerous prominent figures. Attendees included the Deputy High Commissioner from the Kenya High Commission, Mr. Namuguzi from UNICEF-NPC, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, leader of the parliamentary Muslim caucus in the Parliament of Uganda, and Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti of Uganda. Also present were Dr. Rouhollah Dehghani, principal of Al-Mustafa Islamic College; Dr. Faridah Kyambadde from Islamic University in Uganda Female Campus; and several Makerere University Business School faculty members, including Dr. Ahmed Walugembe, Dr. Celestine Katongole, Dr. Owen Kembabazi, and Hafiz Sheikh Jamil Nsubuga. Dr. Assadi, a lecturer at Al-Mustafa Islamic College Kyengera, also participated.
Students from various institutions, including Excel Vocational Training Centre, Metropolitan International University, Markazi Imam Reza Kiteezi, Swadiq Centre, Luwafu, Makerere University Business School, and Islamic University in Uganda Female Campus, attended the event. Sheikh Buye Hussein, a teacher from Imam Reza School, led the opening prayer.
Dr. Ahmed Walugembe, representing the Principal of MUBS, Dr. Muhwezi, acknowledged the cordial relations with the Iranian Embassy in Uganda. He expressed the university’s intent to establish cooperation agreements with the Iranian government, noting Imam Khomeini’s contributions to diplomatic relations with African countries in education and health. Walugembe specifically thanked Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa for his commitment to supporting Uganda’s education sector and Dr. Celestine Katongole for his participation in an academic trip to Iran. He reiterated MUBS’ readiness to collaborate with the Iranian embassy through cultural and academic exchange programs.
Dr. Celestine Katongole shared his experiences from his Iran trip, noting the stark contrast between Western media portrayals and the country’s actual organization, culture, advancement, and social discipline. He encouraged Ugandan traders to explore trade relations with Iran, citing the quality and affordability of products and services there.
Dr. Owen Kembabazi, who represented Uganda and Africa at the International Women Congress at Al Zahra University in Iran, urged Ugandans to seek accurate information about Iran and called for increased cultural and academic exchange programs.
Dr. Assadi from Al-Mustafa Islamic College Kyengera discussed Imam Khomeini’s profound knowledge and his successful leadership of the Cultural Revolution in Iran, emphasizing his strategies for Islamic unity and the introduction of Islamic democracy.
Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa praised Iran as a “superpower nation” that has achieved significant developments in science, technology, and self-sustainability, attributing this progress to Imam Khomeini’s struggle. He urged attendees to emulate such figures by engaging in productivity and creating new knowledge. Sheikh Waiswa also highlighted Iran’s strong support for the Palestinian people.
Hon. Asuman Basalirwa shared personal lessons from Imam Khomeini’s emphasis on servant leadership and a simple lifestyle. He noted Iran’s infrastructural development despite economic sanctions and encouraged “free thinkers to shun propaganda.” Basalirwa underscored Imam Khomeini’s role in establishing educational scholarships and fostering relationships with other countries.
Mr. Abdollah Abbasi, the Iranian Cultural Counsellor, affirmed Imam Khomeini’s lasting influence, particularly his role in drafting Iran’s constitution and establishing International Quds Day to show solidarity with oppressed nations like Palestine.
H.E. Mr. Majid Saffar, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, honored Imam Khomeini as a “voice of the oppressed and defender of world peace.” He described Khomeini as the architect of policies derived from the Holy Quran that promote cooperation and reject foreign aggression. Ambassador Saffar condemned what he described as Israel’s aggressive actions in Palestine, calling them “crimes against humanity, human dignity and international law.” He concluded by reiterating Iran’s readiness to share its scientific and technological advancements with countries in the Global South.
