Uganda Pitches Oil, Minerals at High-Stakes China Investment Forum

Shenyang, China  — The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in China, in collaboration with the Uganda Consulate in Guangzhou and with strong backing from the Liaoning Provincial Department of Commerce, successfully hosted the 1st Uganda–China (Liaoning) Mining and Petroleum Investment Promotion Conference in Shenyang.

This high-level event convened senior government officials, industry leaders, and investors from both nations to deepen cooperation and unlock investment opportunities in Uganda’s mineral and petroleum sectors.

Delivering the keynote address, Eng. Irene Pauline Bateebe, Permanent Secretary at Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, emphasized Uganda’s investment readiness.

“Uganda is rich in mineral and petroleum resources. We are establishing the right legal frameworks, infrastructure, and incentives to ensure value addition, sustainability, and profitable investment,” she said.

The conference followed the 2024 elevation of Uganda–China relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a milestone reaffirmed by Ambassador Oliver Wonekha and Consul General Judyth Nsababera, who reiterated Uganda’s vision for equitable and long-term industrial partnerships.

The event also spotlighted growing sub-national cooperation, particularly the sister-city agreement between Jinja and Shenyang, symbolizing deeper collaboration in trade, education, and infrastructure development.

In a special video message, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called on Chinese investors to seize the moment: “Uganda is stable, open, and eager to work with long-term partners. We welcome you to be part of our transformation journey,” he said.

Key presentations from the Uganda Investment Authority, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and the Chamber of Mines and Petroleum outlined Uganda’s incentive structures, project pipelines, and reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.

Chinese companies with an active footprint in Uganda, such as CNOOC, shared updates on their oil and gas projects, highlighting job creation and environmentally responsible practices. Liaoshen Industrial Park, already operational in Kapeeka, showcased its success and invited further collaboration.

Mr. Cui Changzheng, Deputy Secretary General of the Liaoning Provincial Government, praised the 78% surge in bilateral trade between 2023 and 2024 and outlined plans to expand cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing.

As the conference concluded, the Uganda Embassy called for the formation of a business delegation to Uganda, inviting Chinese investors to explore firsthand the country’s vast opportunities in mining, energy, and beyond.

“Uganda is not just open for business. We are building an economy that works for the future. Join us,” said Amb. Nsababera.