📸Top UPDF officers, diplomats honor Chinese People’s Liberation Army festivities

KAMPALA - Friday evening in Kampala, the Chinese Embassy showcased its rich history and century-long relations with various countries, highlighting the depth and significance of its diplomatic ties.

Commemorating the 98th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army on July 25, 2025, Ambassador Zhang Lizhong noted that the army was born out of the Nanchang Uprising on August 1, 1927.

Ambassador Zhang Lizhong noted that the army was born out of the Nanchang Uprising on August 1, 1927. (All Photos by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Jacob Oboth-Oboth.

He highlighted that the pivotal event, led by the proletariat and people against injustice, oppression, and exploitation, marked the first armed uprising in modern Chinese history.
 
The Ambassador added that the armed force was initially named the Red Army of Chinese Workers and Peasants.

Zhang noted that the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) 98-year journey has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the people, loyally following the leadership of the Communist Party of China and achieving triumphs in liberating its people.

Defence Attache Senior Col. Zhang Hao remarks during the ceremony.

“Chinese PLA is an army for national defence, which staunchly protects the sovereignty, security and dignity of China, while deterring and frustrating any forms of invasion or separatism against China,” he said.

The Ambassador emphasised that the Chinese PLA is a force for global stability and peace, playing an increasingly vital role in international peacekeeping, disaster relief, and security cooperation.

He said the Chinese PLA has deployed troops to Africa and the Great Lakes Region for peacekeeping, civilian protection, and humanitarian assistance, bringing tangible benefits and welfare to the African people.

Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama interacts with Ambassador Zhang Lizhong.

PLA, UPDF relations

The Ambassador noted that the friendship between the Chinese PLA and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has deep roots in their mutual support for each other’s struggles for national independence and development.

“Uganda and China are now bound in a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Bilateral military relations are gaining good momentum, with exchanges carried out in multiple fields,” he said.   

Zhang noted that the UPDF has established itself as a strong military presence in the Great Lakes Region, playing a pivotal role in maintaining regional peace and serving as a cornerstone of stability.

“We will further promote high-level exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two militaries so as to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries,” he said.

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, extended congratulations to the Chinese PLA for its unwavering dedication to protecting and defending the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

He also commended the Chinese PLA for its commitment to global peace and development.

The minister noted that the PRC, through the Chinese PLA, has been a leading contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations, making a significant impact in creating a better world for many to live in.

He also highlighted the strong bilateral relations between the two nations, which were elevated to a comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership during the FOCAC Beijing Summit last year.

Senior Defence Attache Col. Zhang Hao said Chinese’s PLA remains a great wall of steel safeguarding China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.

He said this year also marks the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and the global fight against fascism.

Hao recalled that China endured 14 years of brutal warfare, suffering over 35 million casualties.

He emphasised that as a mainstay force, China made monumental contributions to the allied victory through its unwavering will, sacrifice, and determination, forging what is known as the ‘Great Spirit of Resistance’.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, and Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama.

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Below is a picture highlight how the  Chinese Embassy in Uganda commemorated the 98th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army on Friday, July 25, 2025. (All Photos by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)