Pictorial: MoFA Joins Uganda-China Boat Festival to Mark 60 Years of Bilateral Relations

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by Ambassador Elly Kamahunge, Ag. Director Regional & International Economic Affairs, together with H.E. Zhang Lizhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Uganda, and officials from the Embassy and Chinese community in Uganda, have participated in the Uganda – China Dragon Boat festival.

The Festival which took place at the Buloba Forest Park was organized by the Uganda Dragon Boat Federation as a part of the activities to commemorate 60 years of the establishment of Diplomatic relations between the two Countries.

The Bilateral relations between Uganda and China are historic in nature and continue to grow from strength to strength. 

In his remarks, H.E. Zhang Lizhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Uganda, commended the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the excellent bilateral relations. 

Amb. Lizhong also reiterated China’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation between Uganda in all aspects like promoting Cultural experiences/activities such as the Dragon Boat Festival which aims at building goodwill and appreciation of both cultures.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Elly Kamahunge, conveyed a message of gratitude from the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Amb. Lizhong and the staff of the Chinese Embassy for supporting the Dragon Boat Festival.

“Sharing this piece of Chinese culture with the people of Uganda brings our two countries even closer together, and strengthens the bonds of friendship between us,” he said. 

Amb. Kamahunge further hailed the excellent bilateral relations between Uganda and China which are not only historic but progressive and continue to grow from strength to strength in all sectors.

He called for further efforts and collaborations to develop and promote cultural and sports cooperation between China and Uganda.

The event was attended by Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Sports.

As well as a combination of the Ugandan public and the Chinese community plus other special guests who were treated to dragon boat races and sprints composed of various teams. 

There was a combination of both elite and amateur athletes doing competitive and recreational boat races. Whereas the boat races were the core activity, the team added culture and food exhibitions to build goodwill and appreciation of Ugandan and Chinese cultures through mutual sharing.

The festival was long marked as a cultural festival in China and is a public holiday in China. 

The People’s Republic of China Government established in 1949 did not initially recognize the Dragon Boat Festival as a public holiday but reintroduced it in 2008 alongside two other festivals in a bid to boost traditional culture.