NEWS- The Vice President of Uganda Major Jessica Alupo Epel has witnessed the signing of two protocols between the Government of Uganda and China where Uganda was cleared to export chillies and aquatic products especially fish to China.
During the signing ceremony, Vice President Alupo said that the signing of the two protocals which were put to paper by officials from respective relevant ministries will go a long way in transforming Uganda’s economy as the country draws valuable lessons from China’s path to modernization.
She commended the strong relations between Uganda and China, which have flourished since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1962 and highlighted the tangible achievements of bilateral cooperation with key projects which have contributed to Uganda’s development.
China has funded and constructed two major hydropower plants in Uganda — the Karuma hydroelectric plant and the Isimba hydroelectric power plant, which have played a key role in eliminating the country’s energy deficit and advancing its industrialization efforts and these projects have expanded Uganda’s energy infrastructure, created jobs and facilitated the transfer of skills.
Vice President Alupo underscored the importance of Uganda’s participation in the China- Africa Cooperation Forum, saying that the it has served as a vital platform to foster Africa-China cooperation and expressed optimism that the summit would pave the way for the next phase of Africa-China relations by addressing Africa’s economic challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
In transportation, China has supported the expansion of Entebbe International Airport and the construction of the Entebbe – Kampala expressway, enhancing Uganda’s connectivity and trade and bilateral trade has grown steadily, with around 200 Chinese firms operating in Uganda in 2023.
Vice President Alupo said thousands of Ugandan students have received scholarships to study in China, benefiting both their personal growth and their communities upon their return which she described as a “a core pillar” of bilateral relations.
She stressed the need for high-quality projects to promote Uganda’s industrialization and digitalization, create jobs and improve the welfare of the population.
Major Alupo reiterated the country’s commitment to promoting sovereignty, equality and peaceful coexistence on the global stage as Uganda is holding the current rotating presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77.
She praised China’s dedication to supporting developing countries in international forums, including the United Nations and said that she agrees with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s idea of promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world and said that Uganda is ready to continue strengthening cooperation with China to promote the establishment of a more just and equitable global governance system.
