Uganda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Brunei Darussalam, resident in Kuala Lumpur, Her Excellency Amb. Betty Oyella Bigombe, officially presented her Letters of Credence to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah at a solemn ceremony held at the Istana Nurul Iman, the royal palace of Brunei Darussalam.
The presentation marked the formal commencement of Amb. Bigombe’s diplomatic responsibilities in Brunei. She was accompanied by Mr. Emmanuel Tugume, Financial Attaché at the Uganda High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, who arrived ahead of the ceremony to facilitate protocol arrangements.
Upon her arrival at Brunei International Airport, Her Excellency was received with full diplomatic courtesies by Mr. Zainuddin Zainal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, in coordination with Embassy staff. A formal reception was conducted at the VIP Lounge before she proceeded to her hotel residence.
Earlier that morning, Her Excellency attended a high-level diplomatic brunch hosted by Yang Berhormat Dato Erywan Pehin Mohd Yusof, Minister of Foreign Affairs II of Brunei Darussalam. The event, held at the International Convention Centre, brought together Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate and provided an avenue for exchanging views on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Uganda and Brunei, particularly in trade, education, and South-South collaboration.
During the presentation ceremony, Her Excellency conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the people of the Republic of Uganda. His Majesty the Sultan warmly received the Ambassador and reaffirmed Brunei’s commitment to enhancing ties with Uganda.
On the following day, Sunday 18th May 2025, Dr. Bigombe met with Ms. Shadia Marhaban, a former UN official and proprietor of Jumpa Coffee and Roastery in Bandar Seri Begawan. Ms. Marhaban proudly promotes Ugandan coffee through her enterprise. The Ambassador lauded her efforts in showcasing Ugandan products and advancing people-to-people economic diplomacy. The meeting was also attended by African students studying in Brunei, with whom the Ambassador engaged in a lively interaction on cultural exchange and diaspora empowerment.
Before her departure, symbolic gifts were presented by the Mission to His Majesty the Sultan and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as a token of goodwill and friendship.
Her Excellency departed Brunei later that day through the VIP Lounge at Brunei International Airport, concluding a successful diplomatic engagement that laid a firm foundation for strengthened bilateral relations between Uganda and Brunei Darussalam.
