China donates emergency food aid to Uganda

DIPLOMACY

China has donated emergency food aid worth $10.4m (about sh38b) to Uganda.

The launch of distribution of the food (rice) was held in Nakapiripirit district in northern Uganda on Wednesday, presided over by state minister for disaster preparedness and refugees, Musa Ecweru.

China's ambassador to Uganda Zheng Zhuqiang was also present.

The latest relief gesture is in accordance with the aid agreement signed between the two governments during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation last September.

"Today's ceremony is a testimony of the friendship between the governments of Uganda and China," said Zhuqiang during the handing over of the first batch of rice to the Karimojong.

The total donation is in the form of 8,399 tonnes (8,399,000kg) of rice and will be shipped from China in 10 batches. The first batch of 500 tonnes of rice was delivered to Kampala in January, set for distribution.

This is the third donation of emergency food by China to Uganda, the first being in 2017 and the second last year.

Ambassador Zheng Zhuqiang assured that the rice from China is of good quality. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

"Our rice is of high quality and is good for you. Do not worry when eating," Zheng told the people as he munched away on some of the rice that was prepared for quests.

Ecweru expressed gratitude towards the Chinese government, saying Uganda is faced with the challenge of food due to prolonged drought in some parts of the country.

He said that government decided to start rice distribution in Karamoja due to the high rate of famine and that other parts of the country will also be provided with the rice from China.

Having a taste of the rice - Ambassador Zhuqiang, Minister Ecweru (far right) and another official at the launch. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)