President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the longstanding and growing relationship between Uganda and China, describing Beijing as a reliable development partner that has consistently supported Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
The President made the remarks at State House, Entebbe, during a meeting with Mr Losang Jamcan, the Special Envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who represented the Chinese leader at President Museveni’s recent inauguration ceremony.
Mr Losang delivered President Xi Jinping’s congratulatory message following Museveni’s re-election and reaffirmed China’s continued commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Uganda.
“His Excellency Xi Jinping asked me to represent him at your inauguration ceremony and convey his warm congratulations,” Mr Losang said.
He commended President Museveni’s leadership, saying Uganda had made notable progress in peace, stability, and development.
“We listened to your remarks and found them very impressive. Under your leadership, Uganda has followed a path of independence and achieved tremendous progress in peace and development,” he said.
The Chinese envoy also said President Museveni continued to enjoy strong support from Ugandans, attributing it to his leadership record and contribution to national stability.
“You won by a large margin, and this shows the respect and love the people of Uganda have for you,” he added.
Mr Losang described President Museveni as “an old and good friend of the Chinese people,” noting that the Ugandan leader had consistently demonstrated an understanding of China’s development model and global outlook.
He said cooperation between the two countries had continued to deepen under the leadership of both President Museveni and President Xi Jinping.
“China is ready to continue working with Uganda to implement the outcomes of our cooperation and further strengthen our partnership,” he said.
On global affairs, the envoy said China appreciated Uganda’s position on international peace efforts, particularly its advocacy for dialogue in resolving conflicts in the Middle East.
He added that China remained committed to working with Uganda to promote peace, development, and cooperation across Africa.
In his response, President Museveni thanked President Xi Jinping for sending a special envoy to the inauguration and commended China for expanding economic cooperation with Uganda.
“I want to thank His Excellency Xi Jinping for sending you here. We are very happy with China, especially after opening your market to zero-tax access. Many Chinese companies are now investing in Uganda,” President Museveni said.
He said Uganda’s partnership with China dates back decades and has remained stable through different historical periods.
“We have been working with China for a very long time. Our leaders interacted with China even during the struggle for freedom. For more than 70 years, we have been together with the new China,” he said.
President Museveni also reiterated Uganda’s stance on global conflicts, emphasising dialogue over confrontation.
He noted that during Uganda’s current tenure as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the country has faced pressure from various global powers to take sides on international disputes, but has instead maintained its position in favour of peaceful engagement.