Beijing, China — As part of his week-long official visit to China, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and his delegation experienced China’s cutting-edge transportation system when they boarded one of the country’s world-famous high-speed bullet trains for a 1,200-kilometre journey to the historic city of Xi’an.
Travelling at a steady 350 kilometres per hour, the sleek train covered the distance in under five hours—a journey that would have taken a full day by road. Gen Kainerugaba noted the stark contrast with Uganda, where traffic congestion remains a major challenge, costing the economy an estimated $800 million annually in lost productivity.
“This is more than just a train ride,” Gen Kainerugaba remarked. “It’s a vision of how modern infrastructure can transform economies and improve lives. Uganda can draw valuable lessons from such efficiency and innovation.”
The smooth ride, free from turbulence and the need for seat belts, offered the delegation a first-hand look at the infrastructure efficiency fueling China’s economic growth and urban transformation.
High-Level Military and Diplomatic Engagements
The bullet train experience came after a series of strategic defence and diplomatic engagements in Beijing. Gen Kainerugaba led a senior UPDF delegation—including Maj Gen Felix Busizoori and Maj Gen Dan Kakono—on visits to key Chinese defence and technology institutions.
At China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO), the world’s largest defence contractor with 2023 revenues of US$82.6 billion, the CDF toured advanced technological innovations and discussed opportunities for future cooperation with company president Mr Chen Defang and senior executives.
The visit built on Uganda’s defence partnership with NORINCO dating back to 1986, with discussions focusing on technology transfer, military modernisation, and strategic collaboration.
Earlier, Gen Kainerugaba also visited CATIC (China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation) to explore aviation technology partnerships and met with Mr Liu Yuxi, the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs, highlighting the diplomatic dimension of the trip.
Strengthening Uganda–China Defence Ties
The engagements culminated in the signing of a new military cooperation agreement between Uganda and China, co-signed by Gen Kainerugaba and Gen Liu Zhenli, Chief of the Joint Staff Department of China’s Central Military Commission.
The agreement sets the stage for deeper military collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in line with Uganda’s defence modernisation agenda.
Expressing optimism after the NORINCO visit, Gen Kainerugaba said: “China has been a trusted partner in Uganda’s defence journey for decades. We look forward to expanding our cooperation, especially in areas of technology and training, to build a modern and capable defence force.”
The NORINCO leadership reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Uganda’s defence ambitions, emphasising the enduring friendship between the two nations.