President Yoweri Museveni has described the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi as a dedicated worker and unifier for his country and the broader struggle for justice across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The President expressed heartfelt condolences to the friends and people of Iran in an official message issued on his X, formerly Twitter account on Wednesday evening.
“We could easily see that H.E. Raisi was a unifier for his Country and the Tri-continental struggle for justice. Small things could even show this,” President Museveni stated.
He recounted a recent visit by President Raisi to Uganda, where despite a late end to government bilateral functions, Raisi insisted on visiting pro-people projects in the suburbs at night. Furthermore, President Raisi, a Shia Muslim, made a notable visit to the Old Kampala Mosque, a Sunni establishment, demonstrating his commitment to unity and peace.
“I could see a patriot in His Excellency. It is a pity he died prematurely. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” President Museveni concluded.
On July 12, 2023, Raisi visited Uganda to strengthen bilateral ties. During the visit, he stated the need to expand cooperation in politics, economy, science, and technology, and called for effective implementation of existing memoranda of understanding (MoUs).
While meeting President Museveni at State House, Raisi sighted the exploitation of oil in Uganda and the necessity of creating and establishing refineries.
Regarding energy in general, and specifically the oil industry, he expressed interest in sharing expertise with Uganda in the areas of refineries and technical and engineering sciences.
Raisi, 63,died following a helicopter crash in a mountainous and forested area of East Azerbaijan province. The crash, which occurred in poor weather conditions, also claimed the life of Iranian Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian. Severe fog and rain hampered search efforts near the crash site in the Dizmar forest.
He was a hard-line cleric close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and previously served as a former judiciary chief who came to power after a controversial election. Raisi joined the judiciary post-1979 Islamic Revolution and was known for his role in anti-government protests and calls for human rights investigations.
Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will assume presidential powers until a new election is held on June 28,2024,
Tributes and condolences have since poured in from regional and international leaders, with several Middle Eastern countries offering support and assistance.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday presided over a funeral for President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and six others who died in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border. The crash occurred in poor weather conditions, with fog and rain hampering search efforts.
During the funeral at Tehran University, Khamenei led prayers, and Vice President Mohammad Mokhber openly wept. The coffins, draped in Iranian flags, were carried through downtown Tehran with chants of “Death to America.” The procession ended at Azadi Square, with top leaders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in attendance.
Also present was Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas, expressing condolences and highlighting Raisi’s support for the Palestinian cause. The funeral drew significant regional attention, with dignitaries from Pakistan and Afghanistan attending.
Iran declared five days of mourning, encouraging public participation in the ceremonies. Large crowds, banners, and state TV coverage marked the events, which began in Tabriz and Qom and will continue in Raisi’s home city of Mashhad.
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