More tourism opportunities await Ugandans in Iran

In a day’s, seminar organized by Alhaj Abdollah Abbasi, the acting cultural consul of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ugandans were informed of the vast cultural opportunities that they can take advantage of in Iran. These included art, education, technology, health, and science.

The guest of honour, the minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan affairs, Minsa Kabanda, said that the seminar was very beneficial to Ugandans since they would learn from Iran’s social-economic, and cultural progress hence leading to national development. Not only that, but cement the two countries' relationship.

“The seminar is part of the activities to strengthen bilateral relationship and also promote dialogue between Uganda and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” she said.

Abbasi advised Ugandans to take advantage of the programme Iran offers and use it. He said since they have some of the best universities in the world, Ugandans can take advantage of the scholarship they grant and pursue it.

Besides that, Abbasi said that Iran has very many tourist centers which Ugandans can be able to visit and learn from since their civilization dates more than 10,000 years ago.

In fact, Mahnazi Shirazi the International tour guide in Iran while speaking via zoom called upon Ugandans interested in the tourism sector to laisse with them so that they offer them the best travel deals including direct flights from Entebbe international airport to Tehran.

Besides that, she said that Iran has free space for the Uganda Airline so that they can be able to charter their passengers there hence bringing in revenue for both countries.

In terms of culture, Juliana Naumo, the Commissioner for Gender and family affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development remarked that Iran had very good cultural sites, which were better developed than those of Ugandans. “Through the cultural exchange, Ugandans can visit Iran and learn how they manage their cultural sites and hence improve theirs in return thereby attracting more tourists to the nation.”

Just as Uganda has Uganda martyrs and shrines of ancient kings of Buganda, Abbasi said Iran has a holy shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Imam from the 12 Imams of the Shia Muslims, whom Ugandans can tour and see how to improve theirs for more tourist attractions.

On the other hand, Mehdi Salehi, the Iranian ambassador to Uganda appealed to Ugandans to go to Iran for matters of health and any medical treatments. “We have one of the fastest best-growing health facilities in the world, which are cheaper but better than other countries.”

But also Iran focuses more on indigenous herbal medicine, which Uganda is paying more attention to of late.

Juliana Naumo, the commissioner for Gender and family affairs at Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development

On that note, Naumo suggested that Iran flew in her medical team to Uganda for a week or two’s medical camp and workshop. “This will not only benefit patients, but also our medical doctors will learn a lot from the best,” she said. “Our doctors will also learn how to preserve and use herbal medicine for the treatment of diseases.” Abbasi pledged to make that visit possible.

In terms of trade, Naumo said that Iran would provide a market for Uganda’s cultural products like craft and pottery. She also said if the two countries engaged in a business conference, it would help Ugandans improve on their artifacts for the global market.

What others people said

Rashidah Katutu, a tourism officer in Kampala said that the seminar opened opportunities for them in the tourism world to be able to work with Iran.

Diprock Ssegawa, a veteran musician said that through the exchange of culture like music and art both nations learn and appreciate each other’s culture and hence a better world.

Issah Katungulu Luyimbaazi, a youth leader said the seminar presented the young people with an opportunity not only to learn from the best but sell their products abroad.