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On March 28, 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in China, in collaboration with the Uganda Consulate in Guangzhou and the support of the Liaoning Provincial Department of Commerce, successfully hosted the inaugural Uganda–China (Liaoning) Mining and Petroleum Investment Promotion Conference in Shenyang, China.
The high-level forum gathered senior officials, industry leaders, and investors from both countries, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation and attracting investment to Uganda's mineral and energy sectors.
Eng. Irene Pauline Bateebe, Uganda’s Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, addressed the conference, emphasising Uganda’s preparedness to welcome foreign investment.
“Uganda is rich in minerals and petroleum resources, and we are building the right legal frameworks, infrastructure, and incentives to ensure value addition, sustainability, and returns on investment,”
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Bateebe affirmed. Her words set the tone for the event, highlighting the country's commitment to unlocking its natural resource potential.
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A Strong Partnership for Sustainable Development
The conference was a significant milestone in the evolution of Uganda-China relations, which were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.
Ambassador Oliver Wonekha and Consul General Judyth Nsababera reaffirmed Uganda’s vision of industrial partnerships, emphasising mutual benefits and trust. In particular, the conference underscored growing sub-national cooperation, most notably the sister-city agreement between Jinja and Shenyang.
This partnership symbolises a deeper level of collaboration across trade, education, and infrastructure sectors.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressed the conference via a video message, encouraging Chinese investors to tap into the wealth of opportunities Uganda offers.
"Uganda is stable, open, and eager to work with long-term partners. We welcome you to be part of our transformation journey," he stated, underlining the government's commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment for international investors.
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Showcasing Uganda’s Investment Opportunities
The conference featured presentations from Uganda’s key governmental bodies, including the Uganda Investment Authority and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. These sessions highlighted investment incentives, ongoing projects, and recent reforms aimed at streamlining processes and reducing bureaucratic obstacles.
Major Chinese companies, such as CNOOC, shared their success stories in Uganda’s oil and gas sector, where they have created thousands of jobs and introduced green development practices. The Liaoshen Industrial Park in Kapeeka also featured prominently, with representatives sharing its successful operations and inviting further collaboration.
Mr. Cui Changzheng, Deputy Secretary General of the People’s Government of Liaoning Province, commended the impressive growth in bilateral trade, which surged by over 78% from 2023 to 2024. He outlined Liaoning’s vision to expand cooperation with Uganda in infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.
As the event concluded, Uganda’s Embassy called for the formation of a business delegation to Uganda, inviting Chinese investors to explore the country’s burgeoning extractive sector and beyond. Amb. Nsababera reiterated the invitation, saying, “Uganda is not just open for business. We are building an economy that works for the future. Join us.”
With ongoing efforts to diversify and industrialise Uganda’s economy, this conference marked a critical step towards forging strong, long-term partnerships that promise prosperity, innovation, and mutual growth.