Uganda and China have reaffirmed their long-standing economic partnership with a renewed focus on deepening investment cooperation across key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.
This comes as a high-profile delegation of Chinese investors visits Uganda to assess potential opportunities.
The delegation’s visit, facilitated by Uganda’s Embassy in Beijing under the leadership of Ambassador Oliver Wonekha, is part of a broader diplomatic and economic strategy to position Uganda as a premier investment destination on the African continent.
The initiative builds on commitments made during the recent Ambassadors’ Retreat held in Gulu, where Ugandan envoys pledged to intensify efforts in promoting trade and investment, aligning with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s vision of industrial transformation and economic modernization.
Speaking at the investment forum, Mr. Peter Muramira—representing the Director General of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA)—outlined Uganda’s priority sectors for foreign direct investment.
He highlighted significant opportunities in renewable energy, particularly bamboo-based energy technologies, and noted government incentives targeting industrial park development, oil and gas, and vocational training initiatives to enhance the local workforce.
Mr. Muramira acknowledged the current trade imbalance between Uganda and China but pointed to promising developments, including a 127% increase in Uganda’s exports to China between February 2024 and February 2025.
He described the surge as a positive sign of improving trade dynamics and expanding market access for Ugandan products.
The Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Diao Chunhe, Chairman of the Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibilities. Mr. Diao commended Uganda’s stable investment climate and praised the country’s recognition as the “Best Investment Destination in Africa 2024.”
He cited Uganda’s record foreign direct investment inflows—totaling $3.034 billion in the last fiscal year—as a reflection of strong investor confidence.
Mr. Diao also emphasized the importance of sustainable and socially responsible investment, pointing to landmark China-Uganda projects such as the Karuma Hydropower Plant, the Buikwe Water Supply Project, and the national ICT backbone infrastructure as examples of successful collaboration.
Meanwhile, Mr. Wang Jianxun, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, highlighted the historical depth of China-Uganda relations, which date back to 1962.
He reiterated China’s commitment to encouraging responsible investment by Chinese enterprises in Uganda and supporting development projects aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan. These national frameworks prioritize agriculture, digital innovation, and industrialization.
Officials from both countries reiterated the need for strategic cooperation that delivers concrete benefits—including job creation, technology transfer, and inclusive economic growth.
The visit marks a renewed chapter in the Uganda-China partnership, with both sides expressing strong commitment to advancing shared development objectives through deeper investment and trade engagement.
