The Chinese Ambassador to Zhang Lizhong has said his country is to fund to the tune of US$ 5 million (Shillings 18.5 billion) the expansion and renovation of China-Uganda Friendship Hospital Naguru.
Speaking to senior editors from different media organizations at the Chinese Embassy in Kampala, Lizhong said this donation is one of the fruits of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation [FOCAC].
“Under the FOCAC framework, China plans to provide US$ 5 million to expand and renovate China-Uganda Friendship Hospital. We are discussing the feasible proposal with the Ugandan government,” Lizhong said. The ambassador said his government has been a pivot in assisting Uganda to find solutions in the health sector.
“China offered emergency medical aid by providing batches of anti-malaria drugs and COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic to help Uganda contain the outbreak of diseases and eliminate some tropical diseases. Currently, China dispatches medical teams to Uganda every year. They are working together with Ugandan doctors in China-Uganda Friendship Hospital, to perform thousands of surgeries and outpatient consultations. They also go to the countryside and the schools to offer free medical services,” Lizhong said.
The ambassador also said investors from China and the Chinese state-owned companies have heavily invested in other different sectors of the Ugandan economy that have not only helped in social economic transformation but also created thousands of jobs.
In recent years, Chinese enterprises have actively participated in the Belt Road Initiative with fruitful results and contributed to the economic and social development in Uganda.
Several dynamic industrial parks have been established, bringing thousands of job opportunities to the local youth and affordable local products to the local communities.
In the field of infrastructure, Chinese enterprises have completed several landmark projects. Take the Kampala Entebbe Expressway as an example.
“This is the first expressway collecting tolls in Uganda, financed by a Chinese bank and constructed by a Chinese company. It has good economic results, bringing over US$1 million in income per month and promoting the mobility of personnel,” Lizhong said.
The ambassador also said that China has also opened up its market to Ugandan agricultural products many of whom can be exported tariff-free. He called upon Ugandan companies to use this opportunity to tap into the very big Chinese market.
“Expanding export of Ugandan agro-products to China is beneficial to both nations. China is committed to opening its market wider. By the end of 2023, trade volume between Uganda and China grew to $1.3 billion, of which Uganda’s exports to China increased by 19.6%. During the week-long China International Import Expo last November, Ugandan companies signed deals to supply the Chinese market with over 30 tons of roasted coffee and another 29 containers of green coffee beans. China and Uganda have already signed exchange notes that 98% of Ugandan products under tariff codes are duty-free when exported to China. We hope the Ugandan side will make the most use of the agreement and achieve its export goals,” Lizhong said.
On the FOCAC which is going to take place in China from September 4-6 under the theme, “Joining hands to modernization and build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future,” Lizhong said there have been many tangible outcomes to many African countries.
“Since its establishment [2000], the FOCAC has been dedicated to achieving common prosperity and sustainable development for the people of China and Africa. Adhering to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, it has evolved into a crucial platform for collective dialogue and an effective mechanism for practical cooperation…China and Africa have been assisting each other on the path to economic development and national rejuvenation, continuously expanding cooperation into new areas,” Lizhong said.
The ambassador said, unlike other international development partners, China’s interventions are based on the needs of the country in question and are not imposed. When asked about China’s silence when it comes to human rights violations in Uganda, Lizhong said as a policy, stays away from meddling. “We don’t interfere in the internal affairs of any country in the name of human rights. I know Uganda can protect the human rights of its people and we don’t have to get involved,” Lizhong said.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum