Physical Address
Market Street , Kamokya KAMPALA
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday formally bade farewell to the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Zhang Lizhong, during a courtesy visit at the President’s country home in Kisozi, Gomba District—an engagement that underscored the steady expansion of diplomatic, trade, and development cooperation between Kampala and Beijing.
Welcoming the envoy, President Museveni congratulated Ambassador Zhang upon the successful conclusion of his tour of duty, praising his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations. The President conveyed his best wishes for the diplomat’s next posting, noting that Ambassador Zhang’s tenure coincided with a period of renewed momentum in Uganda–China engagement across infrastructure, trade, and investment.
In his remarks, President Museveni expressed satisfaction with the growing economic ties between the two countries, particularly the upward trend in Uganda’s exports to China. He observed that Uganda’s export earnings to the Chinese market have risen to approximately USD 138 million, a figure he acknowledged as progress, while emphasizing that it still represents only a fraction of the untapped potential. The President urged for intensified efforts to diversify and scale up Uganda’s export basket, especially in value-added agricultural and mineral products.
The President further welcomed China’s decision to grant tax-free access to a range of Ugandan exports, describing the move as a strategic boost to trade competitiveness and domestic wealth creation. He noted that preferential market access aligns with Uganda’s broader industrialization agenda under Vision 2040 and the Third National Development Plan (NDP III), which prioritize export-led growth and regional and global market integration. Similar trade facilitation measures have been identified by institutions such as UN Comtrade and the World Bank as critical drivers for developing economies seeking to expand non-traditional exports.
Turning to investment cooperation, President Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s long-standing support for Chinese investors, highlighting their role in key sectors including energy, transport infrastructure, manufacturing, and industrial parks. Chinese-backed projects—ranging from hydropower developments to road construction—have featured prominently in Uganda’s infrastructure expansion over the past two decades, often under frameworks associated with the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The President reiterated government commitment to maintaining a stable and predictable investment climate for Chinese enterprises operating in the country.
In response, Ambassador Zhang Lizhong expressed deep appreciation to President Museveni and the Government of Uganda for the cooperation and goodwill extended to him throughout his assignment. He described Uganda–China relations as resilient and forward-looking, rooted in mutual respect and shared development aspirations. The Ambassador noted that China remains committed to supporting Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation through trade, investment, skills transfer, and people-to-people exchanges.
As Ambassador Zhang prepares to depart, both sides expressed confidence that Uganda–China relations will continue to flourish, building on a solid foundation of diplomatic trust, expanding trade volumes, and strategic development partnerships that reflect the evolving priorities of both nations.
