China tariff waiver boosts Uganda's exports — envoy
Economic ties between China and Uganda, powered by practical cooperation, Zhang said, have yielded outstanding results.
The Chinese Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Zhang Lizhong and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs John Mulimba joined by other ministers and Chinese officials cut cake to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at Sheraton Gardens in Kampala on September 26, 2025. (Credit: Maria Wamala)
The Chinese Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Zhang Lizhong toasts during the Chinese 76th anniversary with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs John Mulimba during the celebrations at Sheraton Gardens in Kampala on September 26, 2025. (All Photos by Maria Wamala) The Chinese Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Zhang Lizhong interacts with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs John Mulimba as the Chinese FAO team looks on during the Chinese National Day. Lizhong and Mulimba interact with the outgoing Chinese medical team during the Chinese National Day celebrations. Military attaches share a group photo during the Chinese National Day celebrations. The Chinese Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Zhang Lizhong toasts during the Chinese 76th anniversary with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs John Mulimba during the celebrations at Sheraton Gardens in Kampala on September 26, 2025. Chinese children perform a poem during the 76th anniversary of China. Guests interact during the 76th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Guests interact during the 76th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
KAMPALA - Uganda’s exports to China, according to the Chinese Embassy in Kampala, surpassed $84m (about sh293b) by July 2025, registering a remarkable 97.8% year-on-year hike.
Coffee exports to China alone surged by 150% while products like cotton bear duty-free access under China’s zero-tariff policy, the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, has announced.
The envoy made the revelation during the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China dinner at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Thursday (September 25, 2025).
Guests included: the trade state minister, Gen Wilson Mbadi, John Mulimba, the state minister for foreign affairs in charge of regional cooperation and the Defence state minister, Huda Abason Oleru, among others.
The dinner, which was punctuated with a blend of China-Uganda performances, also attracted senior military and police officers, and business personalities, among others.
During the FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) Ministerial Conference held in the Chinese city of Changsha in June this year, Beijing announced a 100% tariff exemption for all exports from African countries with diplomatic ties with China.
Ambassador Zhang reiterated to his guests that the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Uganda is rooted in a shared history of struggle against colonialism and a common pursuit of national development.
In recent years, China-Uganda relations have developed rapidly, and during the FOCAC, the bilateral relations were elevated to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
According to Zhang, China and Uganda are jointly advancing a shared future that aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
“Rooted in Mutual respect, our political trust continues to deepen. China highly appreciates Uganda’s firm support on issues central to China’s interests, especially the One-China principle,” Zhang said.
Economic ties between China and Uganda, powered by practical cooperation, Zhang said, have yielded outstanding results.
“Strengthened by people-to-people bonds, the friendship between our nations continues to thrive. Over the past 40 years, China has sent more than 200 medical workers to Uganda, offering essential care to countless patients,” Zhang said.
For 11 years, the ambassador said the Confucius Institute at Makerere University has facilitated cultural and language exchange.
“Through the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation)-China-Uganda South-South Cooperation programme, Chinese agricultural experts have helped enhance productivity and added value alongside local farmers. As we anticipate the China-Africa Year of people-to-people exchange in 2026, I am confident the amity between our people will deepen even further,” Zhang said.
According to Zhang, 76 years ago, the People’s Republic of China was solemnly founded, on the basis of unanimous will of the Chinese people, rolling out a new chapter in Chinese history.
With outstanding leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese top diplomat in the country highlighted that the Asian giant has achieved tremendous transformation and all modernisation with Chinese characteristics.
“China remains a powerhouse for the global economy, shifting its focus from rapid growth to high-quality development,” he said.
Accounting for nearly a third of the world’s manufacturing output, Zhang said China now leads in modern industries such as green technology, industrial automation and artificial intelligence.
The state minister for foreign affairs in charge of regional cooperation, John Mulimba, on behalf of the government of Uganda, extended 'our' heartfelt congratulations to the government and the people of China on the great milestone.
“This anniversary is not only a celebration of China’s remarkable journey but also an opportunity to reflect on the enduring friendship and partnership that exists between our two nations,” Mulimba said.
He added that the relationship between the two countries is longstanding, deep and multi-dimensional.
“Our partnership, which spans over six decades, has been built on the values of mutual respect and shared prosperity for our people. This relationship has grown stronger over the years through collaboration in key areas including trade, infrastructure development, education, health, tourism and cultural exchanges,” he said.
He added, “We greatly appreciate the fact that China has been a steadfast partner in Uganda’s development journey, contributing significantly to national projects that have strengthened our economy and enhanced the welfare of our people.”
“China has supported Uganda in the development of critical infrastructure with projects such as the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, the Karuma and Isimba Hydropower Plants, and the expansion of Entebbe International Airport,” Mulimba said.
These projects, according to the minister, are all enduring symbols of the bilateral cooperation, which have not only expanded the national infrastructure but also enhanced connectivity and trade, thereby promoting industrial growth and Uganda’s regional competitiveness.
“We thank China for supporting our health programmes, including the donation of essential medicines for malaria and for providing scholarships annually for Ugandan students,” he said.
Mulimba added, “Your Embassy has played an excellent coordinating role in all of this. Uganda has warmly welcomed the outcomes of the recently held Forum on China-Africa Cooperation - (FOCAC) 2025, and we are already exploring means of formalising the commitments made in the areas of infrastructure development, energy development, transport, agricultural modernisation, industrialisation, and youth empowerment.”
He added that Uganda was very pleased with China’s support towards building industrial parks and value addition in agriculture.
“The volume of trade between two countries exceeds $1.5b, and Uganda’s exports to China are steadily increasing, and there is greater scope to boost them further. We recognise with great appreciation the duty-free and quota-free policy announced by His Excellency President Xi Jinping for selected products from African countries,” he said.
He added, “This is a benefit that will trickle down directly to our producers of export products such as coffee and fish. We are committed to ensuring that Ugandan manufacturers and exporters produce high-quality products that adhere to sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards.”
“As we celebrate this anniversary, we also look to the future with optimism and determination. Uganda hopes to deepen our partnership with China in areas such as renewable energy, technological innovation, and youth empowerment,” Mulimba said.