Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda has earned international recognition after Ambassador Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu received the Distinguished Social Impact Alumni Award during the 62nd graduation ceremony of Islamic University of Madinah in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, on April 27, 2026.
Dr Ssemuddu, Uganda’s Ambassador to Sudan and Special Presidential Envoy to Qatar, was selected from a pool of more than 150,000 alumni spread across over 180 countries and territories.
The award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to society through community service, humanitarian initiatives, and leadership.
The recognition places Uganda among a select group of countries including France, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and Suriname, whose nationals were honoured in this year’s global alumni awards.
According to the organisers, the award acknowledges Ssemuddu’s contributions in academic excellence, da’wah work, community outreach, and his role in representing both Uganda and the university on the international stage.
The Social Impact Award is part of the fifth edition of the institution’s Distinguished Alumni Awards, which also cover professional achievement, sustainable development, innovation, scientific impact, and intellectual awareness.
The achievement has been described as a milestone for Uganda, highlighting the country’s growing influence in diplomacy, education, and humanitarian service.
Ssemuddu has built a reputation for championing social causes, including access to clean water, healthcare, and education, as well as supporting feeding programmes and charitable initiatives that have impacted communities locally and internationally.
Born in Kayunga District in central Uganda, Ssemuddu pursued his early education at Nsotoka Primary School and Bilal Islamic Institute before continuing his studies in Sudan and later Saudi Arabia.
He earned a doctorate in Islamic jurisprudence from the Islamic University of Madinah, where his journey in public service and community engagement began.
His diplomatic career dates back to 2005 when President Museveni appointed him Uganda’s Goodwill Ambassador for Investment and Trade in the Middle East.
In 2013, he was named Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, overseeing a regional cluster that included several Gulf states and representing Uganda at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
During his tenure, he played a central role in strengthening Uganda’s bilateral relations with Middle Eastern countries, including facilitating two state visits by President Museveni to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. These engagements resulted in multiple bilateral agreements.
Ssemuddu is also credited with spearheading bilateral labour agreements with Saudi Arabia and Jordan, and negotiating similar arrangements with Qatar.
These frameworks formalised labour export systems and contributed to the deployment of an estimated 200,000 Ugandan workers to the Middle East, whose remittances now exceed $1.5 billion annually.
At his current posting in Sudan, he has focused on expanding Uganda’s export markets, particularly for coffee and tea, prior to the disruption caused by the 2023 conflict in the country.
Beyond diplomacy, Ssemuddu leads humanitarian efforts under the Madinah International Development Agency (MIDA), working with fellow alumni to support education, healthcare, water and sanitation projects, and religious infrastructure.
In his acceptance statement, Dr. Ssemuddu described the award as a shared achievement, dedicating it to Uganda, its people, and the leadership of President Museveni.
He also acknowledged the support of the government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Muslim community, and his family.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been recognised with this award. This global recognition is not mine alone. It reflects the collective effort of many people and institutions that have supported my journey,” he said.
He added that the recognition renews his commitment to serve with integrity and continue contributing to national development and global humanitarian efforts.
Established in 1961, the Islamic University of Madinah has grown into a leading centre of learning, offering programmes in Islamic studies, Arabic language, engineering, computer science, and natural sciences.
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