Ambassador Bigombe presents credentials to Sultan of Brunei

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Betty Oyella Bigombe, Uganda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Brunei Darussalam, has officially presented her Letters of Credence to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah.

The events took place on June 17 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.

During the presentation ceremony, Bigombe conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from President Yoweri Museveni and the people of the Republic of Uganda. The Sultan warmly received the Ambassador and reaffirmed Brunei’s commitment to enhancing ties with Uganda.

(Courtesy photo)

Before her departure, Bigombe's delegation presented symbolic gifts to the Sultan and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as a token of goodwill and friendship.

Upon her arrival at Brunei International Airport, Bigombe, who resides in Kuala Lumpur, received full diplomatic courtesies from Mr Zainuddin Zainal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam. A formal reception was conducted at the VIP Lounge before she proceeded to her hotel residence. Bigombe's delegation included Mr Emmanuel Tugume, Financial Attaché at the Uganda High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. 

(Courtesy)

Before meeting the Sultan, Bigombe 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.

A release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates that the ceremony also provided an avenue for exchanging views on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Uganda and Brunei, particularly in trade, education, and South-South collaboration.

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, Dr Bigombe met with Ms Shadia Marhaban, a former UN official and proprietor of Jumpa Coffee and Roastery in Bandar Seri Begawan. The Ambassador lauded Ms Marhaban for promoting Ugandan coffee through her enterprise.

Her efforts in showcasing Ugandan products and advancing people-to-people economic diplomacy' according to Bigombe, are commendable.

Ambassador Bigombe and a group of African students studying in Brunei who attended the events engaged in a lively interaction on cultural exchange and diaspora empowerment.

According to the MoFA release, Bigombe's trip was a successful diplomatic engagement that laid a firm foundation for strengthened bilateral relations between Uganda and Brunei Darussalam.