Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and legislative relations with the People’s Republic of China following a high-level visit to Parliament on Monday.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, officially welcomed a Chinese delegation led by H.E. Mr. Jiang Zuojun, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Zhi Gong Party. The visit underscores the enduring bilateral ties established between Uganda and China in 1962.
In his address, Tayebwa conveyed appreciation from the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, who was unable to attend due to official duties. He praised Chinese President H.E. Xi Jinping’s vision and China’s commitment to supporting Africa’s development agenda.
“Uganda and China enjoy strong, historical, and excellent bilateral relations that have now been elevated to a Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership,” Tayebwa said. “We should continue to optimize benefits from this mutual cooperation, especially in executing projects that transform Uganda’s economy.”
Strengthening Legislative Engagement
Highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, Tayebwa referenced his own visit to China in August 2023, where he led Uganda’s delegation to commemorate the 40th anniversary of China’s affiliation with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). He noted that such engagements foster mutual learning and build bridges for enhanced collaboration.
The visit follows previous high-level exchanges with Chinese officials, including H.E. Mr. Luosang Jiangcun and H.E. Mr. Zhong Shan of the National People’s Congress in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The Uganda–China Friendship Group continues to play a pivotal role in consolidating relations between the two legislatures.
Partnership Across Key Sectors
Tayebwa outlined several sectors where Chinese support has been transformative:
- Health: He commended China’s donation of anti-malaria drugs worth 8 million Yuan in 2024 and the provision of COVID-19 vaccines and protective gear during the pandemic.
- Trade: While Uganda exported $54 million worth of goods to China in 2024 against imports worth $1.1 billion, Tayebwa welcomed China’s duty- and quota-free access for 98 Ugandan products and called for further technical support to boost export capacity and standards.
- Infrastructure: Chinese investments have funded landmark projects including the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway, Isimba and Karuma Hydro Power Plants, and upgrades at Entebbe International Airport.
- ICT: China’s role in developing the National ICT Backbone Infrastructure Project was lauded as part of Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.
- Technical Assistance and Agriculture: The Deputy Speaker appreciated China’s technical cooperation, including the third phase of the FAO-supported South-South Cooperation Programme, which has enhanced agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods.
- Tourism: With Uganda now enjoying Approved Destination Status in China, Tayebwa urged the delegation to promote Uganda as a premier tourism destination and encourage Chinese investment in the sector.
Commitment to Shared Progress
The visit, Tayebwa said, reaffirms the strong friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.
“Your visit will deepen our bilateral relations and enhance cooperation at the legislative level,” he noted.
He extended a warm invitation to the delegation to explore Uganda’s natural attractions and investment opportunities, underscoring Uganda’s position as the “Pearl of Africa.”
“We will continue to strengthen ties between our two legislatures to take our friendship and cooperation to greater heights for the benefit of our peoples,” Tayebwa concluded.
