By: Ismael Kasooha
Kampala
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah has lauded the contribution by the Chinese government to the development of Uganda for over 60 years.
“The relationship between China and Uganda, and with Africa, has its foundations in Africa’s struggle for independence. During the independence struggles in the 1960s, China stood firmly with Africa. China has therefore been with us through thick and thin,” said Nabbanja.
Nabbanja, on behalf of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Government and the people of Uganda extended sincere congratulations to the people of China on the 73rd Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah cuts a cake as the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda looks on during the celebration of 73 years of existence of China
“As we celebrate this day, we also celebrate 60 years of fruitful bilateral relations between Uganda and China. Uganda values the Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership with the People’s Republic of China. This framework has deepened our cooperation and our commitment will continue to be built on solidarity, mutual cooperation, respect, prosperity, peace and stability,” said Nabbanja.
The Premier said that Uganda is pursuing a transformation agenda to lift the people out of poverty and expand opportunities for prosperity and appreciated the important contribution and support that China has continued to play in that agenda in different areas.
She said that during his last visit to China, H.E. President Museveni emphasized the need to address the various bottlenecks that have retarded the growth and development of Africa. The president also noted that the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) initiatives aimed at eradicating these bottlenecks.
“In this regard, Uganda commends the Government of China for supporting the implementation of projects in roads, hydro-electric power stations, hospitals, communication infrastructures, among others. These are key in boosting our competitiveness in the international market,” said Nabbanja.
PM Nabbanja toasts with the Chinese Ambassador
Nabbanja said that even in other areas such as during our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, China was one of the key allies who supported us through the provision of vaccines, Personal Protective Equipment and testing kits. You proved that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
She requested the government of China to support areas of expertise and technology sharing as the country embarks on production of our own vaccines.
Nabbanja said that Uganda remains consistent in its principled support for the One China Policy.
“We believe in a just and equitable world based on the principles of equality of all states and non-interference in the internal matters of other states. We shall continue to stand with each other in this regard,” emphasized Nabbanja.
She said that Uganda will continue to work closely with China in resolving regional and international issues of interest and concern.
“We welcome the support to China extended to Uganda to host the third South Summit of the G77 and China, which is slated for next year 2023. Uganda will also be the Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) from the end of 2023 to 2026 and will also host the NAM Summit in Kampala in 2023. Preparations are already in high gear, and we look forward to receiving a high-level delegation from China, when both Summits are finally held,” said Nabbanja.
The Prime Minister promised to meet the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda to iron out some issues regarding the Isimba Hydro Power Dam next week.
The celebrations were attended by ministers, diplomats and the chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission Mariam Wangadya among others.
Meanwhile the Chinese government has committed itself to support Uganda’s development agenda both socially and economically.
This was revealed by the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Zhang Lizhong during the 73rd celebrations of the founding of the People’s China Republic of China.
While addressing dignitaries at the Chinese Embassy in Kololo on Wednesday, Zhang says that Uganda and China have had good cordial relations for the last 60 years and they will continue supporting Uganda to achieve its goal.
China is one of the key partners who have supported Uganda’s economy by injecting funds in various projects for the last 60 years.
Key among the projects is the Karuma Hydro Power Dam where the Chinese government invested 85% through Exim Bank.
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