The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
KAMPALA, Uganda | Xinhua | Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo has said China’s decision to partner with Africa in promoting green development is in line with Uganda’s development goals and a key driver to her country’s sustainable development.
Alupo made the remarks in a speech read for her by Rukia Nakadama, third deputy prime minister of Uganda, at the launch of the 2023-2024 Economic, Social and Governance Report by the China Communication Construction Company (CCCC) Uganda late on Thursday.
Green development is one of the 10 partnership actions that China announced at the recently concluded Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.
Alupo said Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has always emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring sustainable development by protecting the environment through responsible development efforts.
“Aware that climate change is a real threat which we must confront, we are happy to learn that the CCCC is alive to this fact. Like any environmental, social and governance principles into your aspects of work, this would ensure sustainable development,” Alupo said.
She said that since 1996, the CCCC Uganda has constructed over 1,000 km of paved road, creating local employment and contributing to the country’s development.
“These projects have generated significant economic and social benefits, earning widespread recognition and praise from both government and its people. The company’s work has made substantial contributions to Uganda’s economic development,” she said.
Zhang Lizhong, Chinese ambassador to Uganda, said the report demonstrates the sense of social responsibility of the Chinese business community in supporting Uganda’s infrastructure construction and sustainable development.
“We hope both the Chinese and Ugandan business stakeholders could strengthen solidarity and collaboration to explore the great potential for practical cooperation in the spirit of green, low-carbon and sustainable development,” Zhang said.
He said green development is a key area where China and Uganda can work together. He noted that China is ready to work with Uganda to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation for a shared future.
Li Yingjun, representative of the CCCC, said as the company pursues its construction business, it also focuses on corporate social responsibility. He said that over the years, the CCCC has participated in the renovation of schools and community roads and supported orphans, among others.
Li added that the company contributes to local employment and the development of local talent, citing the Seagull Project, through which Chinese engineers share skills and knowledge with their Ugandan trainees.
The newly launched report highlights two key projects that were constructed by the CCCC Uganda through an ecologically sensitive area, the Masindi-Tangi Junction-Paraa project through Murchison Falls National Park, and the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway which goes through a large wetland. ■
