PRESIDENT Saddam Hussein's UN sanctions-hit Iraq, wants to restore trade ties with Uganda, which was its close ally in the seventies.

Hajji Nsereko Mutumba, the director, Foundation for Islamic Development in Uganda (FIDU), told The New Vision, the Iraqis made the request when he visited Baghdad recently.

"A cross-section of Iraqis we met in Baghdad, including some government officials, expressed willingness to trade with Uganda in various fields," Mutumba said.

Mutumba revealed that shrewd business people, who defy the UN sanctions, ply between Jordan and Iraq, doing brisk business.

"Although Iraq is under UN-imposed sanctions, its industries are in full production. They produce textiles, footwear and have plenty of foodstuffs in markets," Mutumba said.

Mutumba said he was in Iraq with Sheikh Hassan Kirya where they attended an international Islamic conference. Kirya is the acting director, Munazzamat Da'awa Al-Islamia, an Islamic charity.

During the visit, they met Iraqi's minister for endowment, Dr. Abdulmuniem Ahmad Swaleh, with whom they discussed several issues. Including exploring trade links.

Mutumba said despite communication difficulties, there are goods Ugandans can obtain from Iraq at lower prices. He cited textiles, and footwear. Mutumba said the main problem facing Iraqis is lack of adequate medical facilities, including drugs.