By Amos Ssemuwemba
The Deputy Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has expressed gratitude for the Chinese Government’s commitment to invest US$51 billion in Africa over the next three years. Tayebwa made these remarks during a meeting with members of the Financial and Economic Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, emphasizing the significance of the pledge in boosting Africa’s economic growth and improving livelihoods.
“The pledge by President Xi Jinping to provide US$51 billion for various programmes across Africa will significantly improve the lives of people, not just in Uganda, but across the continent. These funds will be allocated to credit lines, development assistance, and investments by Chinese companies in Africa,” Tayebwa stated. He added that the support will enhance cooperation between China and Uganda, fostering development and prosperity in both nations.
During the discussions, Tayebwa raised concerns about the significant trade imbalance between Uganda and China. He highlighted that Uganda’s exports to China are much lower than its imports, a disparity that needs to be addressed to create a more equitable economic partnership.
“As Parliament, we are committed to ensuring that the responsible government departments receive the necessary support to meet our country’s obligations. Uganda and China have a strong, historical relationship, which has now evolved into a Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership. We must leverage this partnership to maximize benefits for Uganda’s economic transformation,” Tayebwa noted.
He further stressed the importance of effectively executing development projects to drive Uganda’s economic growth, underscoring the need for collaboration to deepen bilateral ties and promote mutual prosperity.
Tayebwa’s remarks reflect Uganda’s keen interest in strengthening ties with China, which continues to play a crucial role in the development of infrastructure and trade across Africa. The Deputy Speaker’s visit comes at a time when both nations are looking to expand their cooperation in areas such as investment, trade, and technological exchange.
