Uganda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Brunei Darussalam, H.E. Betty Oyella Bigombe, has officially presented her Letters of Credence to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, marking the formal commencement of her diplomatic tenure in the Southeast Asian nation.
The solemn credentials ceremony was held at Istana Nurul Iman, the royal palace of Brunei Darussalam, with Ambassador Bigombe reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations. She conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the people of Uganda.
Ambassador Bigombe, who is resident in Kuala Lumpur, was accompanied by Emmanuel Tugume, Financial Attaché at the Uganda High Commission in Malaysia. Upon her arrival at Brunei International Airport, she was received with full diplomatic courtesies by Bruneian foreign ministry official Mr. Zainuddin Zainal and other protocol staff.
Ahead of the presentation, Ambassador Bigombe attended a diplomatic brunch hosted by Brunei’s Minister of Foreign Affairs II, Yang Berhormat Dato Erywan Pehin Mohd Yusof, at the International Convention Centre. The meeting brought together ambassadors and high commissioners-designate to discuss enhanced cooperation in trade, education, and South-South collaboration.
In a show of economic diplomacy, Ambassador Bigombe also met with Ms. Shadia Marhaban, a former UN official and founder of Jumpa Coffee and Roastery in Bandar Seri Begawan, which markets Ugandan coffee.
The Ambassador praised Marhaban’s efforts to promote Ugandan products and held discussions with African students in Brunei on cultural exchange and diaspora empowerment.
Before departing, the Ugandan delegation presented symbolic gifts to His Majesty and senior foreign affairs officials, underscoring Uganda’s goodwill and desire for stronger ties with Brunei.
The Ambassador’s visit concluded on Sunday, May 18, 2025, following what officials described as a successful engagement aimed at boosting diplomatic and economic collaboration between the two nations.
