Coffee, Dams, & Classrooms: Uganda–China Ties Shine in 2024 CSR SINOCHAM Report

Uganda and The People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed their commitment to people-centered development following the launch of the 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report by the China Chamber of Commerce in Uganda (SINOCHAM).

The event, officiated by Rt. Hon. Lukia Nakadama, Uganda’s 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, brought together senior government ministers, His Excellence Zhang Lizhong Ambassador of The People’s Republic of China to Uganda, representatives of development partners, and Chinese business leaders.

In her keynote, Nakadama hailed the six-decade partnership between Uganda and China as one rooted in mutual respect, mutual benefit, and non-interference.

“China was among the first countries to recognize Uganda’s sovereignty in 1962,” she recalled.

Rt. Hon. Lukia Nakadama, Uganda’s 3rd Deputy Prime Minister

“Since then, our relationship has grown into a multi-sectoral partnership covering trade, infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, defence, and cultural exchange.”

Quoting President Museveni, Nakadama stressed that Uganda’s cooperation with China is based on production and trade, not just consumption, which she said is essential for Africa’s long-term future.

She outlined eight areas of Uganda–China cooperation, including dams at Karuma and Isimba, the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway, scholarships, medical teams, industrial parks in Namanve and Mbale, and cultural ties through Confucius Institutes.

Turning to CSR, Nakadama commended Chinese enterprises for going beyond business to directly impact Ugandan lives. She cited projects in education, health, water and sanitation, youth empowerment, environment, and disaster relief.

“This report is more than a record,” Nakadama emphasized. “It is a story of friendship, resilience, and shared prosperity. On behalf of the Government of Uganda, I urge Chinese enterprises to continue investing in areas that uplift communities and improve livelihoods.”

Ambassador Zhang Lizhong congratulated SINOCHAM for compiling the report and thanked Ugandan partners for supporting China–Uganda cooperation.

His Excellence Zhang Lizhong Ambassador of The People’s Republic of China to Uganda

“Chinese enterprises in Uganda are not only investors; they are partners in development,” he said. “Their contributions go beyond infrastructure and energy to include livelihoods, skills, and environmental protection.”

Amb. Zhang highlighted flagship projects such as the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway, Karuma Hydropower Plant, Huawei’s ICT training programs, and community boreholes and clinics. He also pointed to the Uganda Taxation Guide 2024 as a milestone in promoting compliance and transparency.

According to Zhang, bilateral trade reached US$1.148 billion by July 2025, a 41.5% increase year-on-year, with Ugandan exports to China – mainly coffee and sesame – nearly doubling.

“These efforts align with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

“Looking forward, we will continue to deepen cooperation under President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, promoting sovereign equality, multilateralism, and shared prosperity.”

Mr Li Jincheng, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in Uganda, placed the report within the framework of the ‘100 Chinese Enterprises for 1000 Villages’ Initiative, launched by President Xi Jinping at the 2021 FOCAC Summit.

Mr Li Jincheng, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in Uganda

Over the past three years, more than 200 enterprises have carried out 500 projects across 53 African countries, reaching over 10,000 villages and benefiting nearly 10 million people.

In Uganda, the initiative has translated into projects like:

• CCCC’s Green Channel Project, integrating environmental safeguards into road building.

• PowerChina’s program electrifying thousands of rural households.

• CNOOC’s Water Diversion Project, expanding access to clean water.

• Vocational mentorship programs, skilling young Ugandans.

“These are small yet beautiful projects that bring real change to communities,” Li said. “Every effort deepens the friendship between China and Uganda.”

He added that the chamber was donating school supplies and daily necessities to Ugandan children “to plant seeds of friendship in the hearts of the next generation.”

Uganda Womens Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) CEO, Mrs Jolly Kamugira Kaguhangire, received an assortment of lighting devices.

Mrs. Jolly Kamugira Kaguhangire, UWESO CEO received a donation of lighting devices

The launch reflected a shared understanding that CSR is now a pillar of Uganda–China cooperation alongside infrastructure, trade, and investment.

Nakadama emphasized community impact; Zhang stressed trade growth and sustainability; and Li called for more livelihood-focused projects. All three converged on a single message: business success must walk hand in hand with social responsibility.

Hon Diao Chunhe, the Executive Chairman of the China – Africa Corporate Social Responsibility, Ugandan Ministers General Katumba Wamala (Works and Transport), Chris Baryomunsi (ICT) among others, attended the event.

As Nakadama concluded: “Let us move forward together, ensuring that our cooperation uplifts ordinary lives and secures a better future for generations.”