Summary:

• China donates 70 SUVs to Uganda for the G77 and NAM summits, strengthening their 60-year bilateral relations and supporting the country’s role in international affairs.

The Chinese ambassador, Zhang Lizhong, has officially presented 70 SUVs donated by China to Uganda for use during the upcoming 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Group of 77 (G77) + China Summits in January. The handover ceremony took place at the Ministry of Works headquarters in Kampala, where the vehicles were received by the state minister for Works, Muca Ecweru.

During the event, Ecweru expressed gratitude for China’s consistent support and collaboration with Uganda, emphasizing the respectful partnership without imposing cultural changes. He acknowledged the success of joint programs with Chinese counterparts and anticipated even stronger collaboration in the future.

Ambassador Zhang Lizhong reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Uganda, stating that the vehicles would contribute to the successful hosting of the G77 and NAM summits. He mentioned China’s unwavering support and announced plans to dispatch expert teams to provide training for Ugandan drivers and technicians, along with maintenance services for the vehicles.

Vincent Bagiire, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the enduring bilateral relations between Uganda and China, spanning over 60 years. Bagiire noted that the new fleet complements the 70 vehicles previously donated by China in preparation for the third South Summit, postponed due to the Covid pandemic. The donation is part of a cooperation model under the Global Development Initiative, with Uganda responsible for procuring an additional 30 similar vehicles.