Politics 28 September 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Speaker Oboth Praises China's Decades-Long Development Support for Uganda
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth lauded China's significant contributions to Uganda's development, highlighting infrastructure, agriculture, and healthcare cooperation during a reception marking China's National Day and welcoming a new ambassador. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4630/speaker-oboth-commends-chinas-contribution-ugandas-development
Parliamentary Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth has expressed gratitude for the People’s Republic of China’s enduring partnership with Uganda, which spans over six decades. Speaking at a reception commemorating China’s 77th National Day and introducing the new Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Wu Guangrong, Oboth underscored the strong bond between the two nations.
Oboth pointed to numerous landmark infrastructure projects as testaments to this collaboration. These include the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, the Karuma and Isimba hydropower dams, significant upgrades to Entebbe International Airport, and the national stadium. He also noted the positive impact of agricultural initiatives like the Kibimba and Doho farms, alongside the tangible health benefits provided by the China-Uganda Friendship Hospital.
A special tribute was paid to the Chinese medical teams who have been serving in Uganda consistently since 1983. The reception served as both a farewell to the 25th medical team and a welcome to the 26th, with Oboth acknowledging their vital role in saving lives.
The Speaker emphasized that the bilateral cooperation has broadened considerably, now encompassing education, technology, culture, trade, security, and parliamentary exchanges. He pledged Parliament’s full commitment to further strengthening these ties with Ambassador Wu Guangrong.
Ambassador Wu Guangrong described the relationship as a rapidly evolving comprehensive strategic partnership, citing progress in hydropower, oil, agriculture, and trade. He highlighted how Chinese-built power projects are electrifying homes and industrial parks, fueling Uganda’s industrialization drive. He also mentioned the recent naming of Uganda’s crude oil, “Pearl Sweet,” at the Kingfisher oil field as a significant economic milestone.
In agriculture, the ambassador noted the success of Chinese hybrid rice technology in boosting yields and enhancing food security for Ugandan farmers. He also shared that Ugandan products, including coffee, are increasingly accessing the Chinese market under a zero-tariff policy for African countries implemented in May 2026.
Several government officials, including State Ministers Haruna Kasolo (Foreign Affairs) and Grace Akifeza (Defence and Veteran Affairs), as well as Investment Minister and Uganda Human Rights Commission Chairperson Mariam Wangadya, were in attendance.