President Museveni extends condolences to Amir of Qatar over passing of his father
Known as " Father Amir", Sheikh Khalifa, who served as Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, died on July 12, 2026, at the age of 74.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo (left) in Doha. (Courtesy photos)
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President Yoweri Museveni has conveyed Uganda's deepest condolences to the Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, following the passing of his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
On Thursday, July 23, President Museveni dispatched the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, to Doha to deliver the President's personal message of condolence to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Known as " Father Amir", Sheikh Khalifa, who served as Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, died on July 12, 2026, at the age of 74.
His visionary leadership is credited with transforming the Gulf nation into one of the world's leading diplomatic, economic and energy powers.
During his 18-year reign, Sheikh Hamad is lauded for spearheading unprecedented economic growth driven by the country's vast natural gas resources, positioning Qatar as a respected global mediator in international affairs, expanding Qatar's global investment portfolio, among others.
Following his voluntary abdication in 2013, he handed over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in one of the rare peaceful transitions of leadership in the Gulf.
Uganda’s Embassy in Doha, on Friday, reported that Kasolo's visit reflects the friendship between Uganda and the State of Qatar, reaffirming both countries' commitment to strengthening their expanding diplomatic, political and economic partnership. Before the Qatar assignment, Minister Kasolo signed the book of condolences at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Kampala.
At Hamad International Airport, the Minister was received by Dr Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu, Uganda's Special Presidential Envoy to the State of Qatar, Muhammad Baswale Kezaala, Uganda's Deputy Ambassador in Doha and senior protocol officials from Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ugandan delegation later received an official welcome from Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo, Chief of Protocol of the State of Qatar, at the Ministerial Terminal.
Ambassador Fakhroo conveyed appreciation for the warm and cordial relations that continue to flourish between Doha and Kampala.
"The State of Qatar highly values the excellent bilateral relations that continue to grow between our two countries," Fakhroo said while welcoming the delegation.
A release from the Uganda mission stated that he also praised Ambassador Kezaala for maintaining close collaboration with the Qatari authorities and ensuring efficient diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Minister Kasolo reaffirmed that "Uganda remains committed to elevating its bilateral cooperation with the State of Qatar to even greater heights for the mutual benefit of our peoples."
The leadership of President Museveni, Uganda's foreign policy, he added, continues to prioritise economic and commercial diplomacy as a vehicle for attracting foreign direct investment, expanding trade, creating employment opportunities and promoting sustainable development.
He tasked Ssemuddu to facilitate engagements with key Qatari government institutions, sovereign wealth funds, investment agencies and business leaders.
Such engagements, he added, would unlock new opportunities in strategic sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, energy, tourism, labour export, education, technology and industrial development.
"There is immense potential for Uganda and Qatar to broaden cooperation in investment, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, tourism, labour, education and technology," Kasolo observed.
According to the Embassy, the visit presents an important opportunity not only to convey Uganda's condolences but also to reinforce the strong partnership that has continued to develop between Kampala and Doha over the years.