Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei — Uganda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Brunei Darussalam, Betty Oyella Bigombe, officially presented her Letters of Credence to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s foreign policy engagement with Southeast Asia.
The ceremonial presentation, held at the majestic Istana Nurul Iman Palace on June 18, 2025, formally launched Bigombe’s diplomatic mission to Brunei. She conveyed warm greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the Sultanate and the broader ASEAN community.
Boosting Strategic Ties Through Economic Diplomacy
Ambassador Bigombe, who is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was accompanied by Mr. Emmanuel Tugume, the Financial Attaché at Uganda’s High Commission. The delegation was received with full diplomatic courtesy upon arrival in Brunei, and held key engagements aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.
Earlier in the day, Ambassador Bigombe attended a high-level diplomatic brunch hosted by Brunei’s Minister of Foreign Affairs II, Dato Erywan Pehin Mohd Yusof, at the International Convention Centre. The dialogue centered on enhancing South-South cooperation, with an emphasis on trade, education, and investment.
Trade on the Rise Between Uganda and ASEAN
Uganda views the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a vital economic partner, given the region’s rapid growth and expanding investment capacity. According to official data, Uganda’s trade with ASEAN countries totaled approximately USD 230 million in 2023. Of this, exports accounted for USD 70 million, while imports stood at around USD 160 million.
Uganda’s top exports to ASEAN include coffee, tea, fish, and vanilla, while its imports are dominated by electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and machinery—primarily from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Malaysia alone accounted for over USD 80 million in bilateral trade in 2023.
The government sees increased opportunity in promoting agro-processing exports, as well as attracting investment in energy, tourism, and infrastructure development.
Expanding Diplomatic Footprint and Market Access
Ambassador Bigombe’s new role aligns with Uganda’s broader foreign policy objective to diversify trade routes and strengthen partnerships across Asia. Her accreditation to Brunei reflects a growing emphasis on economic diplomacy, and Uganda’s readiness to engage with high-growth economies in the ASEAN region.
She is expected to champion Uganda’s interests across Southeast Asia, foster investor confidence, and enhance the visibility of Ugandan products in Asian markets.https://ugandatimes.ug/2025/06/19/uganda-brunei-diplomatic-relations/
