Chinese Embassy in Uganda commemorates 97 years of China’s PLA

The Chinese community in Uganda have commemorated the 97th anniversary of China Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).

The colorful ceremony was hosted by the Chinese ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong at the Chinese Embassy in  Kampala's Kololo suburbs.

Several delegations from various foreign missions in Uganda attended the ceremony.

Highlights at the events on July 30th included the official reception of the new China Defense attaché to Uganda, Col. Zhang Hao who becomes the first defense attaché to be deployed in Uganda in the history of China-Uganda relations.

Ambassador Zhang said China is the largest contributor of peacekeeping troops among the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the second largest contributor of peacekeeping funding.

Maj.Gen. Henry Masiko in a group photo with the new China Defense attaché to Uganda, Col. Zhang Hao and other distinguished guests.

“China has sent more than 50,000 troops to participate in peacekeeping operations, fighting for world peace in the most difficult regions of the world. China adheres to non-interference in internal affairs, objectivity and fairness, and treating both the symptoms and root causes, not imposing its own will on others,” he revealed.

The China-Uganda relations, he added are at their best in history and in this same spirit, this cooperation will be concretized in the forthcoming summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) which will be held in Beijing in early September.

“China and Uganda will carry forward traditional friendship, deepen solidarity and cooperation, and open up new space for accelerating the common development of each other,” Zhang affirmed.

According  to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces,

China has been a strategic partner in Uganda’s journey since the anti-colonial struggle and continues to play a crucial role in bolstering its defense, security, trade, investment, political, social and culture economic development.

“Uganda recognizes and hails the excellent cordial relations that exist between China and Uganda that are premised on mutual respect and support. The Uganda-China relations remain firm due to our common historical fate and are full of vigor and vitality due to our common pursuit for peace and development,” said Gen Kainerugaba in a message read by  Maj Gen. Henry Masiko, the Joint Staff Political Commissariat of the UPDF.

The CDF in his message stated that Uganda and China have continued to exchange Defense Attaches and Defense capabilities where China has provided equipment and modern technology for the betterment of UPDF.

“As a country, but to be specific the UPDF, we are greatly indebted to China for this strategic and brotherly cooperation from which we have continued to secure Uganda and also support our Pan Africanist cause of supporting our neighbors in distress,” said Kainerugaba.

He re-affirmed the mutual desire to consolidate the cooperation cognizant that the cordial bilateral relations between the two countries have tremendous potential to stimulate growth, development and prosperity for the benefit of both countries.

“I want to congratulate you once again for attaining 97 Years of existence of the Chinese Peoples` Liberation Army and to thank you most sincerely, for choosing to invite the CDF to celebrate this day with you,” said CDF.

Colonel Zhang whose arrival marked the opening of the Defense Attache’s office of China in Uganda, said his tasks include bridging a link to promote relations between Uganda and China’s armed forces.

“As the representative of the PLA, I will further promote strategic communication and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two militaries, and play an active role in further deepening the relations between the two countries,” he stated.

He explained that although Uganda and China’s armies are thousands of miles apart, they have upheld similar military management concepts, especially the idea of political-military building, and according to him, both have benefited from it.

“I believe, Maj Gen Matsiko, the political commissariat of the Joint Staff is a living witness. Uganda is a comprehensive cooperative partner of China, and the UPDF is an important friend cherished by the PLA. Today, the Uganda Army has established a strong military force in the Great Lakes region, which played an important role in maintaining regional peace, and is the cornerstone of regional stability,” Colonel Zhang

acknowledged.

The 97th anniversary of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) highlighted the strong military and diplomatic ties between China and Uganda.

The celebration also underscored the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between China and Uganda, aiming to further strengthen their bilateral relations in the future.