Key Highlights
China has donated equipment worth about $5.5 million to Uganda for its effort in peacekeeping operations in war-torn Somalia.
Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda, the spokesperson for Uganda’s People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) confirmed the donation as a major boost in war against the Somali based militants.
The donated military equipment includes three 50-ton cranes, 12 troop carriers, four 10,000 litre water wagons and 16 water trailers.
The Chinese ambassador to Uganda Zhao Yali welcomed Uganda’s idea to deploy the equipment in volatile Somalia.
The Ambassador applauded Uganda for their contribution to regional peace and stability.
The ambassador stressed the importance of international cooperation on the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
Summary
The Chinese ambassador to Uganda pointed the need to stay on course of safeguarding the regional and global peace. He argued Uganda and Chinese share a common mission citing that China is involved in several peace missions including South Sudan.
Uganda has deployed more than 8,000 troops in Somalia for peacekeeping operations against Somali militants under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
