Ugandan tycoon, Chairman, Habib Investments Alhaj. Sheikh Habib Kagimu has on Tuesday presented his credentials to the minister of State for foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem at the ministry of foreign affairs in Kampala as a confirmation of his recent appointment by the government of Malaysia to represent its interests in the whole of Uganda as the first ever honorary consul.
He later handed over his letter of acceptance and credentials to the ministry of foreign affairs as the new Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Uganda.
During the meeting, a short briefing on the role and function of honorary consuls was highlighted as minister Okello Oryemu asked him to serve diligently improve relations and cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
Ambassador Habib Kagimu will be tasked to officiate and coordinate the interests of Malaysia in Uganda and those of Uganda in Malaysian and ensure smooth relations and development of the two brotherly countries.
Speaking at The Homeland Newspaper, Ambassador Habib Kagimu said it was a privilege to have been appointed to serve in this position as he is ready and willing to represent Malaysia’s business, cultural, religious and political interests in Uganda and ensure steady cooperation and development that is mutual between the two brotherly nations.
Ambassador Kagimu further said, that he will start by developing comprehensive plans that would boost the brotherly relationship between Uganda and the people of Malaysia in areas of culture, politics, Business, tourism, trade, investment, health and education and labour liaison services.
“Am going to tirelessly work in promoting investments and opportunities for the benefit of people between these two brotherly nations and encourage Ugandan businessmen to foster trade relations and links with Malaysia”, Kagimu said.
Kagimu added that, people of Malaysia like our fresh produces and products especially our coffee, Matooke and meat, tea so Uganda has got a good opportunity to export both of the products to Malaysia.”
They love coffee and tea very much and He said in terms of health, the Asian country is developed and their facilities cost less than anywhere else.
“Malaysia being a major exporter of palm oil, prime location to further education at tertiary level and a growing destination for medial and traditional tourism that Ugandans can tap into,” the new honorary consul to Uganda said.
Ambassador Habib Kagimu warned Ugandans to avoid bad people and that they should be aware that if caught for drug trafficking, the punishment is death. Despite the country not requiring a visa to enter Malaysia, they should be cautious.
On his part the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem said this is a rare opportunity to strengthen and improve the relationship between Uganda and the people of Malaysia which we must be proud of and strongly protect as government.
Minister Oryem said that with the presence of honorary consulate of Malaysia in Uganda whose credentials are big and indomitable it will increase opportunities and expose Uganda the more and our interests in Malaysia will be well championed we believe Ugandans will use this chance to use the office and do business as all they required in terms of support will be accorded henceforth.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said before the 1960s, Uganda’s economy was in a better position but noted that the Asian country later surpassed their East African counterparts.
“We can learn from how they were able to transform their country so we can also emulate them through industrialization and becoming an economic hub.”
Ugandans have been going to Dubai, Guangzhou and other places but Malaysia is now another country where our people can go and benefit from opportunities related to Uganda than found in other destinations.
A number of Ugandans have been detained in many Asian countries including Malaysia over a number of crimes including drug trafficking and according to the new consul to Uganda, there is need for caution while going into the Asian country.
What You Should Know About Sheikh, Amb.Habib Kagimu
Alhaj. Sheikh Habib Kagimu,is a Ugandan born of Nyamitanga Mbarara district western part of the country, He is one of the few Ugandan scholars with vast knowledge and wisdom in Islamic sharia (jurisprudence) from Libya and other Arab schools, he is a father and a businessman he owns Uganda’s leading petroleum distributor, Habib Oil. His holding company, Habib Investments, has extensive assets in Real Estate Development, Telecommunication, Security and Agriculture.