China's Xi congratulates Museveni on re-election, reaffirms China–Uganda ties

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his re-election as President of Uganda, reaffirming China’s commitment to strengthening long-standing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across key strategic sectors.

In a congratulatory message sent on January 23, 2026, President Xi said China and Uganda are bound by a traditional friendship that has deepened over the years, anchored in mutual respect and shared development aspirations.

He noted that the two countries have consistently supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns.

Xi said this solidarity has produced tangible outcomes, with China and Uganda registering fruitful results in practical cooperation across several sectors, including infrastructure development, trade, investment and capacity building.

He added that the two nations have also maintained close coordination in international and regional affairs, reflecting a high level of political trust between Beijing and Kampala.

Describing President Museveni as an old and trusted friend of the Chinese people, Xi said the Ugandan leader has for many years been personally committed to strengthening China–Uganda relations, a contribution he said is highly appreciated by the Chinese leadership.

“President Museveni is an old friend of the Chinese people and has long been committed to advancing the development of China–Uganda relations, which the Chinese side highly appreciates,” Xi said.

The Chinese President further emphasised that he attaches great importance to relations with Uganda and expressed readiness to work closely with Museveni to elevate bilateral cooperation to a higher level.

He said this would involve deepening political mutual trust, carrying forward the traditional friendship and expanding collaboration in areas of shared interest.

Xi also highlighted the importance of implementing the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, describing the platform as central to China’s engagement with African countries.

He said effective implementation of FOCAC commitments would unlock new development opportunities and deliver concrete benefits to both nations.

China has for decades been one of Uganda’s key development partners, playing a central role in financing major infrastructure, energy and industrialisation projects critical to the country’s economic transformation.

Much of this cooperation is anchored in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with funding support from institutions such as the Export-Import Bank of China.

Among the most transformative Chinese-backed projects are those in the energy and transport sectors. These include the sh6.4 trillion ($1.7 billion), 600-megawatt Karuma Hydropower Dam and the sh2.1 trillion ($568 million) Isimba Hydropower Project, both vital to expanding Uganda’s electricity generation capacity. In transport, China financed and constructed the sh1.3 trillion ($350 million) Kampala–Entebbe Expressway, Uganda’s first toll road, and supported the $200 million expansion of Entebbe International Airport.

These investments have positioned China as a central partner in Uganda’s push for industrial growth, improved logistics and energy security, with the broader aim of stimulating trade, job creation and long-term economic development.

President Museveni secured re-election in the January 15 polls after winning 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65 per cent of the total votes cast, according to official results released by the Electoral Commission.

His closest challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform, came second with 2,741,238 votes, or 24.72 per cent, in an eight-candidate race.