Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakar, has condemned what he termed as “unprovoked aggression” against the Islamic Republic of Iran, calling on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take a stronger role in shaping a peaceful and just global order for Muslims and humanity at large.
Speaking at the 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul, Gen. Odongo expressed deep concern over growing hostility towards the Muslim Ummah globally. “The unprovoked attack on the sovereign people of Iran by Israel is part of the wider scheme targeting the Muslim world and innocent humanity,” he said. “I wish to join other speakers before me in condemning the unwarranted aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
He further called for an immediate cessation of the attacks and reaffirmed Iran’s right to self-defence. “We urge all peace-loving members of the international community to work towards ending this unprovoked act of aggression through diplomacy and dialogue,” he stated.
Gen. Odongo also decried the worsening humanitarian crisis in Palestine, where, he noted, Gaza remains under siege despite international calls for action. “The people of Palestine continue to suffer deaths, starvation, displacement and violations of their human rights,” he said. While welcoming temporary humanitarian relief and prisoner exchanges, he insisted that “the underlying need of a ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid has not been addressed in a sustainable and enduring manner.”
He commended the OIC Secretary General for “his tireless efforts to highlight the plight of the suffering people of Palestine” and called for a sustained push for humanitarian assistance and the long-standing Two-State solution.
Turning to regional peace and security matters, Gen. Odongo informed the gathering about Uganda’s hosting of a summit for AUSSOM Troop Contributing Countries in Entebbe in April 2025. “The summit specifically aimed at addressing the funding challenges for AUSSOM and the need to continue supporting the Somalia Federal Government,” he said. He urged the OIC to support calls for adequate funding of the mission, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2719.
On Sudan, Gen. Odongo expressed alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, especially for women and children, amid ongoing hostilities. “Uganda believes that the situation in Sudan can best be addressed through negotiation and diplomacy,” he stressed, urging warring factions to commit to talks and a return to civilian rule.
The Minister also acknowledged the OIC’s ongoing support to the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), praising the recent commissioning of a female hostel. “This will go a long way in promoting the education of women, not just from Uganda, but across the OIC member states,” he said. He reiterated President Yoweri Museveni’s call for IUIU to become a center of excellence in science, technology, and innovation.
Gen. Odongo cautioned against terrorism and violent extremism, which he described as a persistent threat. “It is important to address the problem of terrorism financing and explore effective mechanisms of cutting funds to finance terror activities,” he warned. He further urged member states to “desist from providing grounds and facilities that support terrorist activities committed against others.”
Concluding his remarks, the Ugandan Foreign Minister thanked the Government of Turkiye and the OIC Secretariat for hosting the conference, and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the goals of the Organisation. “The OIC has a very critical and strategic role to play in transforming the world, not just for the betterment of the Muslim Ummah, but for the entire humanity,” he said.
