Uganda and China Parliaments pledge to strengthen ties and cooperation

In a bid to fortify the enduring relationship between Uganda and China, the Deputy Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, and the Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, H.E. Luosang Gyaltsen, reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing cooperation. This commitment was underscored during a significant meeting held at the Parliament Building on Thursday, November 23, 2023, attended by various parliamentary committee chairpersons and a delegation from the Chinese Legislature.

Tayebwa expressed gratitude for China’s longstanding relationship with Uganda, tracing its roots back to pre-independence times. He highlighted the comprehensive nature of the cooperation between the two nations, encompassing political, security, economic, social, cultural, and scientific domains. Tayebwa specifically acknowledged China’s support in preparing for the upcoming Group of 77 and China meeting scheduled to be hosted in Kampala in January 2024.

Praising the amicable relationship between President Xi Jinping and President Museveni, Tayebwa credited this partnership for fostering Uganda’s development. He further lauded China for its involvement in reforming the UN Security Council and pledged Uganda’s continued efforts to advocate for equal representation, particularly in securing two permanent seats for Africa on the Council.

Tayebwa also expressed gratitude for China’s support in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda, its facilitation of trade through preferential treatment for Ugandan exports, and the establishment of industrial parks. He reiterated Uganda’s commitment to the one China Policy and urged investors to explore opportunities within Uganda’s burgeoning tourism sector.

“We want to assure our Chinese friends that Uganda will continue to push for reforms to ensure Africa gets two permanent seats on the UN Security Council as per the consensus of the African Union,” Tayebwa emphasized.

Addressing the delegation, Tayebwa committed the Ugandan government’s support to the one China Policy and urged investors to consider Uganda’s tourism sector. He also expressed appreciation for H.E. Luosang Gyaltsen’s visit, anticipating that it would fortify bilateral relations and enhance cooperation at the parliamentary level. Tayebwa disclosed that he had assigned Hon. Dicksons Kateshumbwa to lead the Uganda-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, aiming to elevate the friendship between the two nations.

H.E. Luosang Gyaltsen reciprocated the sentiments, noting the robust cooperation between China and Uganda, particularly at the parliamentary level. Describing Uganda as an essential cooperative partner in Africa within the Belt and Road Initiative, he expressed his intention to establish and maintain a strong working relationship that would strengthen ties between the legislatures of the two countries.

The Chinese deputy chairman commended Uganda’s role in safeguarding the common African position at the UN Security Council and pledged China’s support for Uganda’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and contributions to regional peace and security. He emphasized the importance of communication and cooperation on various fronts, including human rights, counter-terrorism, poverty reduction, climate change, health, and trade.

“China will continue to encourage capable Chinese companies with good desire to invest in Uganda and create more jobs for the economy, as well as promote the construction of industrial parks,” H.E. Luosang Gyaltsen affirmed.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts between the two leaders, symbolizing the mutual respect and commitment to fostering stronger ties between Uganda and China. As both nations look forward to the future, the reaffirmed commitment to cooperation sets the stage for continued collaboration across multiple sectors, underlining the enduring friendship between Uganda and China.