By Our Staff Reporter

Mbale, Uganda – The Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park came alive with cultural pride and diplomatic warmth as it hosted the International Chinese Language Day celebrations, drawing together Chinese communities from across Uganda and top dignitaries from Mbale City.

The high-profile event was attended by Mbale City’s Resident City Commissioner, Mr. George William Wopuwa, the newly elected Mayor Joyce Kidulu Matuka, Mayor of Industrial City Division Abdallah Madoi, and Town Clerk Godfrey Mugisa. The celebrations were further graced by Mr. Fan Xuecheng, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Uganda.

In his address, RCC George William Wopuwa expressed deep gratitude to the Chinese community for their significant investments in Mbale and across Uganda. He highlighted how thousands of local youths and residents have secured meaningful employment thanks to Chinese-backed projects.

“We appreciate the positive contribution and heavy investment by our Chinese partners,” Wopuwa said. “The government remains committed to supporting and protecting these investments as they continue to create more jobs for Ugandans.”

Mayor Joyce Kidulu Matuka echoed this sentiment, praising the visible transformation brought by Chinese investors. She noted that over 13,000 youths have already gained employment in the region, with more industries being established to tackle unemployment in Mbale City and surrounding areas.

Mr. Wang Wentong, General Manager of the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, welcomed the dignitaries and underscored the growing importance of the Chinese language in today’s globalized world.
“Learning Chinese is not just about communication — it opens doors to global opportunities as China continues to expand its influence worldwide,” he said.

Mr. Fan Xuecheng, representing the Chinese Embassy, commended the Government of Uganda under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the strong bilateral partnership with China, which has significantly boosted development and job creation.

He revealed that several Chinese delegations have recently shown keen interest in expanding investments in Uganda, citing the country’s favorable business environment and excellent diplomatic relations.

Mr. Xuecheng particularly applauded the people of Mbale for embracing International Chinese Language Day and congratulated Ugandan youths for their enthusiasm in learning the Chinese language. He pointed to successful Chinese investments in regions like Karamoja, which have generated employment and foreign exchange earnings for the country.

Describing the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park as a shining example of China-Uganda cooperation, Mr. Xuecheng noted that the park features over 80 operational factories, employing tens of thousands of Ugandan youths while generating substantial revenue for both the city and the nation.

“The park has played a vital role in reducing Uganda’s reliance on imports by producing quality goods locally at more affordable prices,” he added.

Mr. Xuecheng further emphasized that China’s Global Civilization Initiative promotes respect for cultural diversity and encourages mutual learning between nations. He stressed that International Chinese Language Day goes beyond language — it fosters deeper understanding, dialogue, and stronger people-to-people ties between China and Uganda.

Mr. Laurent, Park Administrator, explained that hosting the event at the industrial park was deliberate, aimed at highlighting language as a crucial bridge for effective communication in the workplace.

“Many Chinese investors and Ugandan workers still face language barriers,” he observed. “While some Ugandans don’t speak Chinese, many Chinese colleagues are not yet fluent in English. Learning each other’s languages will greatly improve cooperation and productivity.”

He urged Ugandan workers and youths to seize the opportunity to learn Chinese, noting that it will enhance business relations and unlock better career prospects. Mr. Laurent also commended Mbale Secondary School for introducing Chinese as a subject and called on other schools to follow suit.

“The Chinese language is easier to learn than many people think,” he said. “It is a powerful tool that will strengthen the growing friendship and development partnership between Uganda and China.”

The colorful celebrations underscored the deepening bond between the two nations and showcased the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park as a beacon of successful South-South cooperation, skills development, and shared prosperity.