AMB. SSEMUDDU CONVEYS GEN. MUHOOZI’S SAUDI SOLIDARITY MESSAGE, RECEIVES SPECIAL AWARD AT MADINAH CONFERENCE

Uganda’s Ambassador to Sudan and Special Presidential Envoy to the State of Qatar, H.E. Amb. Dr. Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu, has conveyed Uganda’s message of solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the condemnation expressed by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba Museveni, following recent attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement.

Ambassador Ssemuddu delivered the message while addressing the International Conference on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Confront Intellectual Deviations, organised by the Islamic University of Madinah from 27–28 September 2026.

The high-level international gathering brought together senior officials, scholars, researchers, academics and specialists from Saudi Arabia and other countries to examine intellectual awareness, moderation, extremism and approaches to protecting societies against ideological radicalisation.

GEN. MUHOOZI’S MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY

Speaking before the international gathering, Ambassador Ssemuddu drew attention to the position expressed by Gen. Muhoozi in solidarity with the Kingdom.

Gen. Muhoozi stated:

“We express solidarity with our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We condemn all recent attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the Houthis. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Uganda calls for an immediate de-escalation of this conflict. Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.”

Ambassador Ssemuddu placed the message within the broader theme of the conference, linking the rejection of violence and extremism to the principles of moderation, intellectual balance and peaceful coexistence.

“Since we are discussing moderation and intellectual balance, with our focus on confronting intellectual deviations that can become a source of extremism, allow me to begin by conveying the position expressed by my country, Uganda, regarding the recent attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Ambassador Ssemuddu told the conference.

He noted that Gen. Muhoozi’s statement expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, condemned the attacks attributed to the Houthis, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation, and stressed respect for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

SSEMUDDU HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF SAUDI UNIVERSITY ALUMNI

Ambassador Ssemuddu participated in the conference both as a Ugandan diplomat and as an alumnus of the Islamic University of Madinah, where he pursued his studies through doctoral level.

His presentation, entitled “The Impact of Saudi University Alumni Forums on Promoting Intellectual Awareness,” focused on how graduates of Saudi universities around the world can contribute to moderation, dialogue, intellectual security and peaceful coexistence.

He argued that the relationship between universities and their international graduates should not end at graduation, but should instead develop into a long-term partnership through which alumni continue engaging with scholars, universities, research institutions and one another in responding to emerging intellectual challenges.

Ambassador Ssemuddu proposed the strengthening of national and regional alumni networks, regular academic meetings, multilingual intellectual-awareness materials, support for alumni-led community initiatives, and greater cooperation between graduates, universities and research centres.

He further proposed the establishment of a major annual international alumni forum, rotating among countries and continents, to transform alumni engagement from occasional gatherings into a sustainable global network for intellectual awareness and cooperation.

AMB. SSEMUDDU RECEIVES SPECIAL AWARD

During the conference, H.E. Amb. Dr. Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu was also presented with a special recognition award by H.E. Prof. Saleh bin Ali Al-Uqla, President of the Islamic University of Madinah.

The recognition highlighted Ambassador Ssemuddu’s participation in the international conference and his contribution to discussions on intellectual awareness, moderation, peaceful coexistence and the role of Saudi university alumni in promoting balanced thought across their respective societies.

The award carried additional significance for Ambassador Ssemuddu because of his longstanding academic relationship with the Islamic University of Madinah, where he studied through PhD level.

Receiving the recognition from the University President further underscored his continued engagement with the institution through diplomacy, scholarship and international cooperation.

CONFERENCE PROMOTES MODERATION AND INTELLECTUAL SECURITY

The Madinah conference placed strong emphasis on strengthening intellectual awareness and protecting societies from extremism and intellectual deviation.

Discussions examined religious, educational, security, media and societal approaches to confronting harmful ideologies while promoting moderation, knowledge and balanced Islamic thought.

The conference was held under the patronage of the Governor of Madinah Region, Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and brought together participants from across the Muslim world and beyond.

STRENGTHENING UGANDA–SAUDI RELATIONS

In concluding his address, Ambassador Ssemuddu expressed appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Governor of Madinah Region, Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

He also thanked the President of the Islamic University of Madinah, Prof. Saleh bin Ali Al-Uqla, together with the university leadership, faculty and conference organising committees.

Ambassador Ssemuddu said his years of education in Madinah had given him knowledge and values that he continues to carry in his diplomatic, community and public service.

His participation at the conference placed Uganda’s message of solidarity before an international audience gathered specifically to discuss moderation, intellectual security and the rejection of extremism, while at the same time highlighting the longstanding educational and people-to-people links between Uganda and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

MUSLIM CHANNEL | DIPLOMATIC DESK