Tag: Uganda

Smart Urban Planning: Benchmarking China to Solve Kampala’s Traffic Crisis

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By Nnanda Kizito Sseruwagi

It is estimated that 64% of Uganda’s GDP and 75% of total national revenue collection comes from the Kampala Metropolitan area. To maintain and increase this level of productivity, Kampala needs to have a smooth flow of traffic on good roads. As factors currently stand, millions of the country’s most productive population segment lose productive hours of work seated in deadlock traffic in Kampala’s congested, pot-holed, narrow roads.  On average, about 5-6 hours are wasted daily on the road by workers who are bogged down in the morning and evening when they are going to or coming from work. This is even besides counting the physical and mental health costs urban traffic congestion has on people daily.

Some analyses have concluded that Kampala’s problem is not about a lack of financial resources to build the roads, but one of bureaucratic procurement procedures. It is established that in 2016, Uganda received $300 million from African Development Bank to repair and/or reconstruct some of the major roads in Kampala. This was followed by the award of tenders and contracts by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in 2020. Those who lost in the awarding process petitioned the PPDA and other agencies to bog down the commencement of works because of the agents involved in the bidding chain who are always calculating for cuts off of the awards. Almost five years later, no serious works have commenced. The little patchwork done to fill a few potholes and clean drainages has been done by the Special Forces Command (SFC) under the direct intervention of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The deleterious effect of these delays is multiplied into not just productivity lost in traffic congestion but also in hefty interests that the government has to keep paying on money it has not even utilised.

My concern is not even about redoing the road network in the entire Kampala Metropolitan Area which definitely must be done at some time if Kampala is to be rescued from being a large slum. I’m concerned rather with making the city workable as is currently – to cut down the traffic on our roads at an affordable cost.

I believe this is possible because of the following reasons.

Kampala traffic does not normally involve long lines of cars congested along roads. Often, you find that the traffic is intense in an area spanning about eight kilometres. Other parts of the roads are normally freely flowing with few cars.

This implies that congestion happens at intersections or what may be called “choke points.” These are points where we have roundabouts such as Wandegeya, Jinja road traffic lights area, Mulago, Bwaise, Busega, Lubigi and other such places. Other choke points are sections where more than two roads meet.

If there was a smooth flow of traffic at these choke points, cars would never be congested for hours on most of Kampala’s roads, even if they remained in their current state of shambolic narrowness.

With a population of 1.4 billion people, and hundreds of millions of people in individual provincial cities, China is a good country to benchmark with in terms of dealing with deadly traffic. The country innovatively improved its traffic problem and now enjoys high productivity from its citizens.

Let us look at China’s most reasonable and sustainable strategies which enabled it to control traffic congestion having undertaken many ineffective measures from which it improved.

China was notorious for deadly urban traffic congestion in cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Shangai and Shenzen.

Like Kampala, China’s cities faced congestion especially at intersections of wider roads, causing excessively long waiting hours at red lights, and general traffic disorder at intersections. This was a major cause of inconvenience.

This, I think, is Kampala’s major traffic problem today, and China offers lessons on overcoming it affordably.

China introduced policies to improve the service level of intersections. This involved building flyovers and pedestrian overpasses, and enhancing the efficiency of road networks and places with high volumes of cars. The goal was to increase the space supply of motor vehicles and expand the capacity of road traffic at choke points to avoid standstill congestion.

Given the fact that Kampala is a small city, with few major roundabouts and intersections, it is possible to invest our meagre resources to concentrate on dissolving traffic at such critical intersections such as Wandegeya traffic lights, Mulago, Busega, Jinja road and other such areas. This would include building pedestrian over-walks like the one at the former clock tower. These would consume pedestrian traffic smoothly and safely, leaving roads for motorists.

The boda boda cyclists would also have to be given special lanes at the points of intersection or be redirected to other roads that bypass the choke point areas. With that, cars would never have to stop at traffic lights and cause hours of congestion on a daily.

Following years of research, China established that the “sparse block collocation” policy is the most sustainable and fundamental congestion control measure. This policy involved the design of walkable streets and pedestrian scale blocks to enhance pedestrian traffic; incorporating pedestrian safety and convenience requirements into architectural design; reducing the demand for motor vehicles by creating bicycle-friendly road networks; increasing the use of public transport by building public transport-oriented streets and communities; advocating mixed land-use patterns to disperse public travel destinations; and establishing public green spaces and services within walking distance of each other. The benefits of instituting this policy were several, including achieving more balanced employment and housing for citizens, shortening commuting distances, and reducing traffic demand in cities. This could be a good policy to benchmark on in future when Uganda has the resources to redesign the greater Kampala area completely, which we must do at some point!

The writer is a senior research fellow at the Development Watch Center.

Smart Urban Planning: Benchmarking China to Solve Kampala’s Traffic Crisis

Posted on by Admin

By Nnanda Kizito Sseruwagi

It is estimated that 64% of Uganda’s GDP and 75% of total national revenue collection comes from the Kampala Metropolitan area. To maintain and increase this level of productivity, Kampala needs to have a smooth flow of traffic on good roads. As factors currently stand, millions of the country’s most productive population segment lose productive hours of work seated in deadlock traffic in Kampala’s congested, pot-holed, narrow roads.  On average, about 5-6 hours are wasted daily on the road by workers who are bogged down in the morning and evening when they are going to or coming from work. This is even besides counting the physical and mental health costs urban traffic congestion has on people daily.

Some analyses have concluded that Kampala’s problem is not about a lack of financial resources to build the roads, but one of bureaucratic procurement procedures. It is established that in 2016, Uganda received $300 million from African Development Bank to repair and/or reconstruct some of the major roads in Kampala. This was followed by the award of tenders and contracts by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in 2020. Those who lost in the awarding process petitioned the PPDA and other agencies to bog down the commencement of works because of the agents involved in the bidding chain who are always calculating for cuts off of the awards. Almost five years later, no serious works have commenced. The little patchwork done to fill a few potholes and clean drainages has been done by the Special Forces Command (SFC) under the direct intervention of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The deleterious effect of these delays is multiplied into not just productivity lost in traffic congestion but also in hefty interests that the government has to keep paying on money it has not even utilised.

My concern is not even about redoing the road network in the entire Kampala Metropolitan Area which definitely must be done at some time if Kampala is to be rescued from being a large slum. I’m concerned rather with making the city workable as is currently – to cut down the traffic on our roads at an affordable cost.

I believe this is possible because of the following reasons.

Kampala traffic does not normally involve long lines of cars congested along roads. Often, you find that the traffic is intense in an area spanning about eight kilometres. Other parts of the roads are normally freely flowing with few cars.

This implies that congestion happens at intersections or what may be called “choke points.” These are points where we have roundabouts such as Wandegeya, Jinja road traffic lights area, Mulago, Bwaise, Busega, Lubigi and other such places. Other choke points are sections where more than two roads meet.

If there was a smooth flow of traffic at these choke points, cars would never be congested for hours on most of Kampala’s roads, even if they remained in their current state of shambolic narrowness.

With a population of 1.4 billion people, and hundreds of millions of people in individual provincial cities, China is a good country to benchmark with in terms of dealing with deadly traffic. The country innovatively improved its traffic problem and now enjoys high productivity from its citizens.

Let us look at China’s most reasonable and sustainable strategies which enabled it to control traffic congestion having undertaken many ineffective measures from which it improved.

China was notorious for deadly urban traffic congestion in cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Shangai and Shenzen.

Like Kampala, China’s cities faced congestion especially at intersections of wider roads, causing excessively long waiting hours at red lights, and general traffic disorder at intersections. This was a major cause of inconvenience.

This, I think, is Kampala’s major traffic problem today, and China offers lessons on overcoming it affordably.

China introduced policies to improve the service level of intersections. This involved building flyovers and pedestrian overpasses, and enhancing the efficiency of road networks and places with high volumes of cars. The goal was to increase the space supply of motor vehicles and expand the capacity of road traffic at choke points to avoid standstill congestion.

Given the fact that Kampala is a small city, with few major roundabouts and intersections, it is possible to invest our meagre resources to concentrate on dissolving traffic at such critical intersections such as Wandegeya traffic lights, Mulago, Busega, Jinja road and other such areas. This would include building pedestrian overwalks like the one at the former clock tower. These would consume pedestrian traffic smoothly and safely, leaving roads for motorists.

The boda boda cyclists would also have to be given special lanes at the points of intersection or be redirected to other roads that bypass the choke point areas. With that, cars would never have to stop at traffic lights and cause hours of congestion on a daily.

Following years of research, China established that the “sparse block collocation” policy is the most sustainable and fundamental congestion control measure. This policy involved the design of walkable streets and pedestrian scale blocks to enhance pedestrian traffic; incorporating pedestrian safety and convenience requirements into architectural design; reducing the demand for motor vehicles by creating bicycle-friendly road networks; increasing the use of public transport by building public transport-oriented streets and communities; advocating mixed land-use patterns to disperse public travel destinations; and establishing public green spaces and services within walking distance of each other. The benefits of instituting this policy were several, including achieving more balanced employment and housing for citizens, shortening commuting distances, and reducing traffic demand in cities. This could be a good policy to benchmark on in future when Uganda has the resources to redesign the greater Kampala area completely, which we must do at some point!

The writer is a senior research fellow at the Development Watch Center.

UGANDA’S OIL OPPORTUNITY: A GREEN LIGHT FOR PROGRESS, OR A RED FLAG FOR THE HYPOCRITES?

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By Salim Abila Asuman

In today’s word, oil is often dressed in an outfit of negativity, it is seen as the villain in the tale of environmental degradation and climate change. But what many fail to recognise is the vital role that this remarkable resource has played in shaping our present and propelling us into the future.

From powering innovation and industry to underpinning economic growth and development, oil has been the unsung hero in the history of human civilisation. While it might be dressed in the unfashionable outfit of controversy and critique, the truth is that much of what we enjoy today for instance advanced technology, global connectivity, and enhanced living standards owe their existence to this powerful, yet misunderstood substance.

It is time to peel back the layers of misunderstanding and appreciate the essential contributions of China National Offshore Oil Corporation’s (CNOOC) and EACOP’S exploration of oil in Uganda’s oil fields in the Lake Albert region that is estimated to hold over six (6) billion barrels of crude oil

The stance I have taken above stems from a compelling discussion I had with Ogwal Jabez an electronic Engineer. This is what he had to say:

He postulates that an overlooked reality of battery waste might outshine all benefits in going green if we do not find proper methods of disposing of them. This is particularly poignant in the wake of Uganda’s increasing oil potential across areas like the Albertine Graben, Hoima Basin, and other regions estimated to harbor mega reserves, which could turn around Uganda’s economy if properly utilised.

Ogwal insists that underutilized oil wealth in Uganda can spark economic development. “These unused deposits are bound to turn things around for Uganda,” he says. We are already witnessing the economic dividends coming from the sector, with over 14,000 jobs created so far, 90% of which are held by Ugandans.” With an estimated potential boost of $9 billion to Uganda’s economy, the oil industry offers a tangible opportunity for increasing Uganda’s GDP by 22%.

Ogwal argues that against the rising tide of expectations for renewable energy stands the true environmental cost of batteries that would store energy harnessed from the wind and sun. “Everybody wants to go green, but no one is talking about the elephant in the room, which is how to dispose of batteries.” While indeed recyclable, many contain toxic material like cadmium and lead that can leach into the environment. Such substances, if not well handled, according to Ogwal, have the potential for serious health and environmental impact. “Oil spills are terrible, but they don’t continually leak toxins over time the way discarded batteries can,” he says.

More specifically, the issue of battery disposal is at a premium as renewable energy adoption accelerates globally. As good as that may sound, batteries are quite fundamental in storing that energy, but what happens to those batteries at the end of their life? According to Ogwal, “We may be replacing one environmental problem with another.” He colourfully paints a grim prospect of a “battery cemetery” piling up discarded, hazardous materials.

While some are calling for the country to abandon oil, Ogwal presents a “best-of-both-worlds” approach. He says responsible management would allow the coexistence of oil and renewable energy as part of a balanced portfolio in Uganda. “Investment in safe oil exploration could help us meet our economic growth needs while minimizing the chances of a battery-waste crisis,” he says.

Without doubt, the oil exploration projects in Uganda, led by East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), Total Energies and the CNOOC, have stirred up a storm of criticism from the usual suspect: foreign activists, environmental purists, and countries and countries whose economies were built on oil. They are shouting about environmental dangers, but are we seriously supposed to believe the voices, some of which come from nations that are still pumping oil from every last corner of their boarders?

Let us cut through the noise. Every possible step to safeguard Uganda’s environment has been implemented. CNOOC and EACOP did not jump into this project on a quirk, Environmental Impact Assessments were rigorously conducted, safety protocols are in place and local ecosystems have been factored into each and every decision.

So, what is the real issue here? It seems our path to self-sufficiency just does not sit well with the said critics.

Oil can make the Ugandan economy change. Just imagine new roads, improved hospitals, improved education, and thriving local businesses-just about everything. This is not just an oil issue; this is about the future of Uganda. The revenues from oil will bring jobs and infrastructure that will give our young people a reason to stay, work, and thrive in their communities instead of going off seeking greener pastures. This could mean a self-sustaining Uganda, empowered from our own resources as opposed to perpetual begging from the West.

But maybe that is the problem with some of our critics: a self-sufficient Uganda would mean no more foreign aid, no more foreign influence, and no more foreign “advisors” telling us what we ought to and ought not to do. We would be standing upon our two feet, and perhaps to some, that independence is just not good enough.

Let us not forget that those who would lecture us on the perils of our oil development are not standing in villages lacking paved roads or communities with limited healthcare and educational opportunities. They are observing from comfortable, industrialized countries built on the very same resource they now wish for us to leave in the ground.

So, let us be bold enough to look aside at the hypocrisy, let us seize this opportunity and build the Uganda that we deserve. Oil is not just a resource; it’s an opportunity toward a better future, and Ugandans deserve a chance at prosperity just like any other nation. EACOP and CNOOC are not threats to our environment but pathways to self-sufficiency and success.

The writer is a research fellow at the Development Watch Centre.

 

CCCC’s Environment, social and Governance Report; Tightening the Knot of Uganda-China Economic Cooperation

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By Moshi Israel

The China Communications Construction Company officially launched its 2023-24 ESG report on October 17th 2024 at Silver Springs Hotel in Bugolobi. The event was graced by a number of key guests from the corporate world and Governments of both countries. China at the highest level was represented by his Excellency Ambassador Zhang Li Zhong while Uganda was adequately represented by the Minister of Finance, Hon. Matia Kasaija, the Hon. Mwebesa Francis, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and the chief guest; Vice President of Uganda her Excellency Jessica Alupo represented by the Hon. Lukia Isanga Nakadama the third Prime Minister and Minister without portfolio of the Government of Uganda.

The report comes at the heel of increased cooperation between Uganda and China that has seen the latter become one of the biggest investors in Uganda’s economic development. Just recently the IMF acknowledged that Uganda’s economy will continue to grow at a high rate and in double digits. This success can be acknowledged by many Ugandans to be in no small part a spillover effect from the numerous investments from China. The CCCC is one of many such companies that have contributed to Uganda’s continued economic success.

In a more specific way, CCCC has its name chiseled in many iconic infrastructure projects in Uganda including the Express high way and its breathtaking Nambigirwa bridge, The Entebbe International Airport, The KBE project in Kampala and many other road networks around the country.

The ESG report is perhaps one of the most important yardsticks to measure a company’s true success. This is because this is where the ethics and moral standing of a company are truly weighed beyond the profit making. CCCC has effectively incorporated Environmental stewardship, Social Responsibility and Governance and ethics at the center of their operations culture. ESG ensures that a company’s activities go beyond profit making and support sustainable development that does not come at the expense of the environment and human rights.

CCCC Uganda currently has 26 ongoing and planned projects valued at $1.7billion. The company operates across numerous sectors and is involved in the construction of highways, bridges, Airports, water supply and factory construction. It has led other companies for four years straight in the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Uganda. The company is engaged in charitable activities including contributions to SOS orphanages. Additionally, CCCC Uganda has also played a major role in the advancement of Uganda’s education sector where they have signed an MOU with Makerere University and Wuhan City Polytechnic aimed at creating a model school-enterprise cooperation. They also launched the seagull Talent Training project to cultivate ‘internationally minded professionals with specialised skills for Uganda’s future.’

To put the achievements of CCCC Uganda into perspective, one has to point out that the company has completed 16 projects, has accumulated 1000km in construction mileage, has led to an 80%+ portion of Ugandan employees participating in construction whilst creating over 10k jobs. Much has to be done but CCCC is actively on the right track and serves as an example of investment gone right. For many years, developing countries have been faced with a problem of ‘unserious’ investors who are mostly crooks looking for a quick buck. However, the tide is ever so slowly changing and the government is increasingly looking in the right places to find genuine investors with a proper international standing.

Furthermore, what CCCC is doing also reflects well on China as a country and is in line with the 10 Action points emphasized by President Xi Jinping during the Beijing Summit and Ninth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in September. Some of President Xi’s points of emphasis were on Green Development and connectivity. CCCC is actively contributing to these action plans by engaging in construction that is friendly to the environment and building extensive road networks under the umbrella of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Going forward, the Government of Uganda should continue to develop a strategy that increases the trust of international investors in the profitability, stability, security and sustainability of doing business in Uganda. Once the message is out there that Uganda is safe and open for business, more companies like CCCC from all over the world will continue flocking into the country and contributing significantly to its economic growth. Just like CCCC has been a good representative for China, Ugandan citizens and Businesses can be great ambassadors for the country everywhere they go. The ESG report has shown us how much of an impact a foreign company has had on the economic and social progress of our country and now the ball is in our hands.

The Writer is a Senior Research Fellow at Development Watch Center.

Exploring strategic benefits in Uganda-China military cooperation

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By Nnanda Kizito Sseruwagi

China-Uganda relations are visibly deepening, with military cooperation assuming center stage in the most recent interactions between the two countries. For the first time in the history of collaboration which officially began in 1962, China has deployed a military attaché or military diplomat to Uganda. This happened in July of this year, as publicly reported when Col. Zhang Hao made a courtesy call to the Chief of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe.

The official website of UPDF reported the story (which was also shared by the X handle of China’s ambassador to Uganda, HE Zhang Lizhong, noting that Gen. Kainerugaba and Col Zhang had reaffirmed the historical ties between Uganda and the People’s Republic of China, and acknowledged the significance of their nations’ enduring friendship and cooperation.

It is important at this point to reflect on the significance of the deployment of a military attaché by China to Uganda. Traditionally, military attachés are high-ranking members of the armed forces who are assigned to embassies with the responsibility for communication and coordination between their home country’s defense apparatus and the host nation. Therefore, it is not surprising that Zhang Hao, the new military attaché from China is a colonel, one of the highest-ranking ranks in the armed forces.

Certainly, Col. Zhang’s deployment now implies that China has found it essential to deepen its bilateral relations with Uganda on the frontiers of security. The military attaché will most likely support China’s traditional diplomats at the embassy, advising them on security and defense issues between China and Uganda, since he is more well-grounded in understanding military strategy, with a grasp of international relations and geopolitics.

As reported by the UPDF, Col. Zhang and Gen. Kainerugaba pledged to enhance military collaboration in areas of mutual interest, it is plausible that both Uganda and China stand to gain. It is even more telling that Col. Zhang was deployed to Uganda following recent engagements between Gen. Muhoozi with the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda and a delegation from China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO), one of the world’s largest defence companies.

Col. Zhang will likely play a pivotal role as an intermediary between China and Uganda’s security services. Therefore, there will be an easing of communication and fluent coordination of joint military exercises between our two countries. Some countries in the region such as Tanzania and Mozambique have already started conducting tactical training in a counterterrorism drill with China. Uganda will as such not be the first country to effectively collaborate with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on security matters, especially in combating terrorism. Even more important to note is the fact that Chinese literature on military strategy shaped the ideological basis for the liberation war fought by President Yoweri Museveni’s National Resistance Army (NRA) in the 1980s. It was termed a “protracted people’s war,” a terminology emanating from Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China who wrote “On Protracted War,” a work in which he argues for a protracted people’s war as a means for small revolutionary groups to fight against the power of the state. Since NRA won the war, Uganda represents to China a part of the world where its ideological influence was successfully executed and prominently survives to this day.

Defence cooperation between our two countries will also deepen our economic and political ties, which will prove necessary for Uganda to attain its development goals encapsulated in “Vision 2040.” Security is usually not only a good thing in itself but also an enabler of other benefits such as peace and stability, which are essential attributes for any country to develop. That’s why military cooperation between our two countries should not be looked at merely as about the military, but the stability of our political order, which also affects our economic standing.

China also stands to gain from this partnership. Uganda’s military profile in the region is high, with a record of pacifying eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Somalia and Central African Republic (CAR), among other regions of Africa where our army has played a great role in stabilizing countries and fighting terrorism. With investments under the Belt and Roads Initiative (BRI) spread across Sub-Saharan Africa, China needs an African partner to protect them. Thus, part of our deepening military cooperation could involve securing China’s trade routes in East and Central Africa, which benefits both our countries.

With one of the most advanced defence forces in the world in terms of the most-advanced technology, smartest military advisors and sharpest tactical skills, Uganda should leverage military cooperation with China to modernize its armed forces. Uganda should not only buy but also, and most importantly, learn how to manufacture military equipment. Therefore, we should have the transfer of technology from Chinese defence companies like NORINCO to Ugandan companies like The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), which manufactures military products. Indeed, NEC, just like NORINCO, could do much more than manufacture weapons. Some of the most significant military inventions historically are things that we use every day in the civilian world, such as the internet, tea bags, nylon, super glue, canned food, blood transfusion, etc. Therefore, NEC could harness technology from China and venture into fields like automobile manufacturing, manufacture engineering products, chemicals, etc.

In conclusion, deepening military ties between Uganda and China has the potential to serve each of our interests better. One of China’s iterations in its international relations is the principle of “win-win cooperation.” But for both sides to win, Uganda too needs to proactively strategize to utilize China’s advancement in military technology to build Uganda’s defence forces, but also achieve economic benefits that emanate from such cooperation such as technology transfers.

The author is a research fellow at the Development Watch Center.  

China Expands Africa’s International Trade Potential

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By Nnanda Kizito Sseruwagi

Any country’s development plays out based on its participation in international trade. Countries with higher participation in global trade are comparatively wealthier than those with lower participation. Therefore, for African countries to develop, they must increase their business involvement with other countries on the international market. Several factors determine this. One of those is the availability of cheap long-term financing for infrastructure that supports production such as roads, dams, etc.

Chinese lending in Africa can be observed to increase the participation of borrowing countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, in international trade. Whereas other major funders in Africa such as the World Bank concentrate their resources on social sectors like education and health, which are equally important, China focuses more extensively on infrastructure, particularly transport, energy and communications.

Research shows that funding towards these sectors which China is keen on achieves practical, significant results for African countries by increasing their potential to share in global value chains.

Over time, Chinese funding for roads, railways and hydropower dams in Africa can be seen to immensely reduce trade costs for African countries while at the same time enhancing their connection to international markets by linking landlocked areas to the coast and connecting seaports.

Since African countries are still limited in their manufacturing capacities, it is difficult for them to have an immediate advantage over more developed countries in the entire value chain of international goods. Those developed countries have centuries of efficient production techniques under their belt. However, by enabling Africa to access markets, China pushes us one step towards competitively playing in the international market.

Of course, we cannot avoid contrasting the disparity in approach between Western funders and China. I think as a recent comer to the scene of developed countries, China has a more practical appreciation of what developing countries need to spur development. It also has a fresh memory of poverty, which aligns its development experience closer to Africa’s. therefore, whereas Western funders are hellbent on dictating moral environments upon African societies as a pre-requisite for their funding, and stage-managing the results, which are often smaller than they are projected and reported to be, China on the other hand is culturally less arrogant but more practical on making results.

Chinese development finance institutions like China Development Bank and China Export-Import Bank (Eximbank) can be observed to respond to African countries’ industrialization agendas. They fund public infrastructure that supports value-added production and international trade.

This funding comes both through Chinese Development Lending (particularly concessional loans) and from China’s Belt and Road Initiative under which China directly builds infrastructure that removes trade inefficiencies like slow production and costly transportation of goods often caused by poor transport and communication networks.

Efficient transport infrastructure is very important for African countries to access the international market. Research shows that each day a good spends in transit translates into a taxation cost based on the value of the good. We should avoid unnecessary delays of our goods in transit if we are to compete better.

African countries also produce mostly raw materials and trade more in parts and components rather than final products. Such goods are much more affected by time delays than final goods. Therefore, for African countries to benefit more in international trade and reduce costs, efficient transport and communication infrastructure is fundamental.

Another area supported by Chinese funding is domestic industrialization in various African countries. Uganda is a key example, with several industrial parks established with China’s support, such as Mukono Industrial Park, Shandong Industrial Park, and Sino-Uganda Industrial Park in Mbale. By supporting the industrial capabilities of Africa, China helps us reduce imports and increase value-added exports, thus transforming our economies toward upstream positions in international production networks.

Additionally, having strong domestic industrial capacities lowers Africa’s need to import inputs used in the production of exported goods. It also reduces our dependence on foreign industries for goods which sometimes are unavailable or become very expensive due to production disruptions. We cannot forget that during the COVID-19 pandemic, we suffered “vaccine discrimination” while most countries hoarded tons of vaccines. That was a crisis we must never suffer again. We must therefore invest in our industries and also enhance the production of domestic value-added goods, which will buy us a higher place in the global value chain.

With the support of non-politicized Chinese funding, we can mitigate liquidity constraints which often limit our exporting capacity since exporters usually need the push of external capital to enter foreign markets. Africa’s weak financial institutions can never reasonably support our development because they are very risk-averse. We need to complement the little funding they are willing to provide with China’s generous, long-term credit.

Lastly, educating our children and youth is very important if we are to compete in the highly innovative and competitive international world. African governments should invest in a highly educated labour force to increase their chances to access global markets and participate more in higher value-added activities. Only by investing in innovation can African States help domestic producers meet the international standards required by global buyers.

The author is a senior research fellow at the Development Watch Center.

China’s Contribution Towards Uganda’s Socio-Economic Development: The Tale of an Ordinary Ugandan

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By Salim Abila Asuman

In the dynamic arena of discourse and debate, where narratives clash and ideologies collide, one principle stands as a beacon of clarity: the irrefutable power of facts, where empirical evidence and data stand as towering pillars, guiding us through the fog of uncertainty towards the beacon of truth.

As I embark on this journey to demystify two broadly told misconceptions about Africa-China relationship, I delve into a riveting account where facts have triumphed over conjectures and falsehoods.

However, first and foremost, at the heart of this article lies the undeniable facts surrounding China’s contributions to Africa’s development, a narrative marked by infrastructure investments, trade dynamics, and technological exchanges.

In unlocking Africa’s potential, China’s impact on its development including Uganda can be summarised by three key power facts;

First; One of the most visible aspects of China’s involvement in Africa is its extensive investment in infrastructure projects. From highways to railways, ports to telecommunications networks, Chinese funds and expertise have transformed the continent’s physical connectivity. These developments not only facilitate intercontinental trade and commerce but also lay the groundwork for sustained economic growth and regional integration.

Second; China has emerged as Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade volumes soaring to unprecedented heights. Chinese investments, spanning diverse sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture, have injected vitality into African economies, creating jobs and driving industrialisation.

Third; Beyond bricks and mortar, China’s engagement with Africa extends to knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives. Through technology transfer programs and educational exchanges, China has played a pivotal role in enhancing Africa’s human capital and fostering technological innovation. Whether in renewable energy projects, information technology hubs, or agricultural modernisation efforts, these partnerships hold the promise of unlocking Africa’s full potential.

In the epic battle between truth and deception, these facts emerge as the fearless cavalry charging through the darkness, their blazing light cutting through the fog of falsehood and misconception, and unveiling the unvarnished truth in a dazzling display of unwavering resolve.

In the face of the three (3) aforementioned facts, the misconception and falsehood that China’s engagement in Africa including Uganda is solely exploitative hides its self because it blatantly disregards the various infrastructure projects and investments that have benefited African economies. Because obviously, all those infrastructure projects and investments cannot just be for a show, and not actually benefiting Uganda and Africa at large.

Additionally, there’s another misconception that China’s presence undermines democracy and human rights in Africa, this overlooks the diverse relationships African nations have with China and the agency these nations exercise in their partnerships.

It is important to consider the nuances and realities of China’s involvement in Africa rather than subscribing to oversimplified narratives of domination.

In the intricate web of progress and development, the true measure often lies in the eyes of those most intimately woven into the fabric of society, its citizens.

Among them, the ordinary man or woman stands as a guard, bearing witness to the ebbs and flows of change. Their gaze, unclouded by bureaucracy or bias, offers an optical prism through which the true essence of societal transformation is refracted.

Through their lens, we glean insights beyond statistical analyses and policy briefings findings resonance in the subtleties of lived reality.

Join me as I uncover a riveting account that underscore the transformative might of factual evidence garnered from a conversation with an ordinary man, unraveling the essence of progress in its purest form.

As I hopped onto a Boda Boda for a ride through the bustling streets of Kampala, little did I know that our journey would offer more than just a means of transportation. Engaging in a conversation with the Boda Boda rider, the seasoned Boda Boda rider, provided a unique window into the transformative impact of Chinese investments in Uganda.

As we weaved through the city’s traffic, His gravelly voice cut through the noise, painting a vivid picture of Chinese involvement in Uganda’s development. ‘’You see, Friend, he began, ‘’it is very visible the Chinese, they have got their fingers in every pie in Uganda, they do’’

Intrigued, I probed further, prompting him to elaborate on the tangible manifestations of Chinese investment that he encounters daily on the streets of Kampala. ‘’oh, you name it! He exclaimed over the roar of the motorcycle engine, ‘’ Take a stroll down the road, and you’ll see those smooth highways. Yup, the Chinese built the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, making travel a breeze.

As we navigated through the city. He pointed out landmarks that stood as testament of Chinese contributions. ‘’ And those power plants?’’ He shouted above the din of traffic. ‘’ The Karuma and Isimba dams, powering up people’s homes, all are bult by the Chinese.

As our journey continued, His insights devolved deeper into the social impact of Chinese Investments. “Oh, they’re not just about making money, you know,’’ He remarked earnestly. ‘’Remember that hospital they set up? The China-Uganda Friendship Hospital in Naguru, with state-of-the-art equipment, all courtesy of China.

Through my ride, I gained a newfound appreciation for the depth and breadth of Chinese investments in Uganda. From infrastructure projects to social development initiatives, the impact of Chinese engagement is palpable on the streets of Kampala and beyond.

As we reached our destination, I thanked the Boda-Boda man whom upon asking his name found out he is called Sebufu John for these invaluable insights into the transformative role of Chinese investments in Uganda’s development journey.

Our conversation served as a reminder that progress often takes shape amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where ordinary individuals like John are witness to extraordinary transformations driven by global partnerships and shared aspirations for a brighter future.

The writer is a research fellow at the Development Watch Centre.

China’s clean energy excellence: Reflecting on Kiira Motors

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By Nnanda Kizito Sseruwagi

It is said that when you owe the bank one million shillings, you have got a problem, and when you owe the bank 1 billion shillings, the bank has a problem. The narrative of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a “debt trap” for developing nations has gained significant traction. However looking specifically at Uganda’s case with Chinese investment reveals a more nuanced picture, where China’s infrastructure investments are fostering sustainable development, not financial suffocation.

Contrary to popular belief, China can not pack up an airport or Hydro dam and ship it to Guangzhou. Aside from the physical extremities that such an ambitious project would demand there’s no provision in international and diplomatic law that would sanction such a venture.  With such a precarious state of affairs China is one of the few of our development partners who are genuinely rooting for our success because that is the only way they can ever recover their loans and get out of the “debt trap” we have put them in.

This is probably why Chinese investment in Uganda is always geared towards parts of the economy that compound development. Uganda, like many developing countries, faces a significant infrastructure deficit. Limited access to reliable power,transportation networks, and communication technology hinders economic growth and social progress. China’s BRI steps in by offering loans for projects that directly address these needs and Chinese state affiliated companies also occasionally tender cost effective bids for the projects.

Additionally Chinese projects in Uganda usually focus on revenue generation. Many of China-funded projects in Uganda, like the Entebbe Expressway or the Karuma hydropower dam, are designed to generate revenue and pay for their own setup cost.  Tolls collected from the expressway directly contribute to repaying the loan, while the hydro dam increases electricity production, leading to increased export potential and government income.

Our country’s debt-to-GDP ratio, while on the rise, largely  remains below internationally recognized thresholds for “debt distress”. The Ugandan government prioritizes responsible borrowing and actively works with international institutions to monitor debt sustainability. The Chinese government also does a forensic feasibility study on each and every project before it’s implementation because as I may have pointed out earlier, it is in the Chinese best interest to avoid bad debts.

This is why China implements a zero tariff policy on 99% of Uganda’s export goods. Since China is a manufacturing economy, it is in their best interest to make sure that the farmer in Bududa has got a good road connection to the agro processing factory in Mbale industrial park to add value to his products before being exported to China and the rest of the world because then he’ll have the disposable income necessary to buy Chinese manufactured goods. It is hard to get similar concessions from countries who’s biggest exports are “democracy and liberalism“.

Without the pomp and funfare with which many other development partners launch their collaborations with domestic players; China goes a long way in collaborating with Ugandan companies and individual players and provides training programs, fostering technology transfer and creating skilled local workforces. This is geared towards empowering Uganda to maintain and manage infrastructure projects in the long run, reducing dependence on external expertise. An outstanding example is that many of the Ugandans working in  the Tilenga oil enterprise have benefited from Chinese trainings many even going to China on full state scholarships.

In many ways Uganda’s collaboration with China devolves a lot from it’s usual bilateral relationships with its traditional development partners because this is a story of Collaboration, Not Control. The Ugandan narrative goes beyond simply acting as a conduit for surplus Chinese capital. It’s a story of collaboration, with Uganda actively negotiating loan terms and prioritizing projects that align with its own development goals. Uganda retains ownership and control over its infrastructure assets as well as its national economic/ political identity and outlook.

As Uganda and China’s partnership grows, focusing on transparency, environmental sustainability, and capacity building will be crucial. The evidence from past and ongoing projects suggests that China’s investments, when carefully managed, can be a powerful tool for accelerating Uganda’s development journey. We need to; beyond infrastructure and economic ties look towards a cultural synergy that can merge the Ugandan(African) spirit of community (Ubuntu) with the Chinese Confucian culture.

This reductive approach to China’s role in Africa fosters a more constructive dialogue, moving beyond the simplistic “debt trap” narrative and highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships that pave the way for a more prosperous future. For every false alarm ringing in Kampala, there should probably be a tenfold alarm in Beijing because if the bank has a problem when you owe it a billion, imagine how much more worried the Chinese should be who’s “debt-trap” is in the trillions.

The writer is a senior research fellow at the Development Watch Centre.

Beyond the Debt Trap Narrative: Examining China's Infrastructure Investments in Uganda

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By Shemei Ndawula

It is said that when you owe the bank one million shillings, you have got a problem, and when you owe the bank 1 billion shillings, the bank has a problem. The narrative of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a “debt trap” for developing nations has gained significant traction. However looking specifically at Uganda’s case with Chinese investment reveals a more nuanced picture, where China’s infrastructure investments are fostering sustainable development, not financial suffocation.

Contrary to popular belief, China can not pack up an airport or Hydro dam and ship it to Guangzhou. Aside from the physical extremities that such an ambitious project would demand there’s no provision in international and diplomatic law that would sanction such a venture.  With such a precarious state of affairs China is one of the few of our development partners who are genuinely rooting for our success because that is the only way they can ever recover their loans and get out of the “debt trap” we have put them in.

This is probably why Chinese investment in Uganda is always geared towards parts of the economy that compound development. Uganda, like many developing countries, faces a significant infrastructure deficit. Limited access to reliable power, transportation networks, and communication technology hinders economic growth and social progress. China’s BRI steps in by offering loans for projects that directly address these needs and Chinese state affiliated companies also occasionally tender cost effective bids for the projects.

Additionally Chinese projects in Uganda usually focus on revenue generation. Many of China-funded projects in Uganda, like the Entebbe Expressway or the Karuma hydropower dam, are designed to generate revenue and pay for their own setup cost.  Tolls collected from the expressway directly contribute to repaying the loan, while the hydro dam increases electricity production, leading to increased export potential and government income.

Our country’s debt-to-GDP ratio, while on the rise, largely  remains below internationally recognized thresholds for “debt distress”. The Ugandan government prioritises responsible borrowing and actively works with international institutions to monitor debt sustainability. The Chinese government also does a forensic feasibility study on each and every project before it’s implementation because as I may have pointed out earlier, it is in the Chinese best interest to avoid bad debts.

This is why China implements a zero tariff policy on 99% of Uganda’s export goods. Since China is a manufacturing economy, it is in their best interest to make sure that the farmer in Bududa has got a good road connection to the agro processing factory in Mbale industrial park to add value to his products before being exported to China and the rest of the world because then he’ll have the disposable income necessary to buy Chinese manufactured goods. It is hard to get similar concessions from countries who’s biggest exports are “democracy and liberalism“.

Without the pomp and fun-fare with which many other development partners launch their collaborations with domestic players; China goes a long way in collaborating with Ugandan companies and individual players and provides training programs, fostering technology transfer and creating skilled local workforces. This is geared towards empowering Uganda to maintain and manage infrastructure projects in the long run, reducing dependence on external expertise. An outstanding example is that many of the Ugandans working in  the Tilenga oil enterprise have benefited from Chinese trainings many even going to China on full state scholarships.

In many ways Uganda’s collaboration with China devolves a lot from it’s usual bilateral relationships with its traditional development partners because this is a story of Collaboration, Not Control. The Ugandan narrative goes beyond simply acting as a conduit for surplus Chinese capital. It’s a story of collaboration, with Uganda actively negotiating loan terms and prioritising projects that align with its own development goals. Uganda retains ownership and control over its infrastructure assets as well as its national economic/ political identity and outlook.

As Uganda and China’s partnership grows, focusing on transparency, environmental sustainability, and capacity building will be crucial. The evidence from past and ongoing projects suggests that China’s investments, when carefully managed, can be a powerful tool for accelerating Uganda’s development journey. We need to; beyond infrastructure and economic ties look towards a cultural synergy that can merge the Ugandan(African) spirit of community (Ubuntu) with the Chinese Confucian culture.

This reductive approach to China’s role in Africa fosters a more constructive dialogue, moving beyond the simplistic “debt trap” narrative and highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships that pave the way for a more prosperous future. For every false alarm ringing in Kampala, there should probably be a tenfold alarm in Beijing because if the bank has a problem when you owe it a billion, imagine how much more worried the Chinese should be who’s “debt-trap” is in the trillions.

Shemei Ndawula is a senior research fellow at the Development Watch Centre.

From Herbal Remedies to Holistic Harmony: Unveiling the Power of China-Uganda Medical/Cultural Diplomacy

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By Shemei Ndawula

The recent “China and Africa: A Fine Traditional Culture and Modernisation” lecture organised by the Development Watch Centre and China-Africa Institute  sparked a fascinating conversation about the opportunities for collaboration between these two vibrant continents. Our collaborations have typically been defined by economics and infrastructure partnerships but beyond these, a particularly intriguing prospect lies in the potential for medical diplomacy and cultural exchange. China and Uganda can leverage their unique strengths in traditional medicine, foster intercultural understanding, and ultimately, advance through a process of mutual learning and convergence of knowledge.

The People’s Republic of China and Uganda boast of rich histories of traditional medicinal practices. In China, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has flourished for millennia, with a holistic approach that emphasises harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. Practices like acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary therapy form the core of TCM, offering effective treatments for various ailments.

Uganda, on the other hand, possesses a treasure trove of indigenous medicinal knowledge. Local healers, across the various cultural spectrums utilise plants, animal products, and rituals to treat illnesses. This creates a vast repository of traditional practices that holds an intricately rich capacity for scientific exploration and drug discovery.

The potential for collaboration between these two systems is immense. China has over the years developed advanced research capabilities and clinical experience which can be combined with Uganda’s rich biodiversity and indigenous knowledge. Exploring joint research efforts could have the potential of inspiring the development of innovative, culturally-sensitive treatments for diseases prevalent in both regions, like Cancer, HIV/AIDS, and various chronic conditions. Cultural exchange programs will also likely bring together practitioners of TCM and Ugandan traditional medicine to form a modern mastermind. Sharing knowledge about diagnosis, treatment methods, and the underlying philosophies can foster mutual respect and lead to the integration of effective practices from both systems.

We already have an established culture of  academic exchanges between Chinese Universities and research institutions in the two countries and if this is expanded to include medical research it can facilitate knowledge sharing in areas like pharmacognosy (the study of medicinal properties in plants) and ethnomedicine (the study of traditional medical practices). This exchange can contribute significantly to the advancement of both traditional and modern alternative medicine.

Beyond the specific practices of medicine, China and Uganda have much to learn from each other’s hoard of cultural wealth. China’s long history and emphasis on social harmony (Confucian principles ) offer valuable lessons for Uganda’s young democracy to chart its own identity politically and socially. Creating unique Ugandan solutions to Ugandan problems like the Chinese developed a unique system of governance and values that has shaped their society. Conversely,Uganda’s vibrant artistic traditions and strong community spirit have the potential of enriching Chinese society.

Intercultural learning programs already in place like the Confucius institute in Makerere foster understanding by promoting language exchange, artistic collaborations, and student exchange programs. These initiatives bridge the geographical and cultural distance, creating a space for mutual appreciation and respect.

The process of collaboration should however not be one-sided. It should be a journey of co-creation, where both cultures contribute meaningfully. Uganda should bring to the table its knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional healing rituals. In return, China can offer expertise in clinical research, drug development, and modern medical technologies. Additionally, the government of Uganda needs to also start making conscious efforts towards bridging these gaps. This should be by widening the resource envelope for research platforms like Universities and think tanks and also repealing much of the red tape that encumbers our research capacity.

This intercultural approach would not only enrich healthcare systems but also foster a deeper understanding between the two countries. By recognising the value of each other’s traditions and fostering collaboration, China and Uganda can embark on a path of mutual advancement. This is already a concept being pioneered at the African Rural University in Kagadi where a significant number of senior lecturers have little to no formal education but are quite knowledgeable in African traditional wisdom. The Chinese story with their Confucian schools of thought has done the same thing with resounding success and this is definitely something we should explore.

The path of collaboration is not without its challenges. Intellectual property rights regarding traditional medicine knowledge need careful consideration. Additionally, ensuring the safety and efficacy of traditional remedies requires rigorous scientific validation.

However, these challenges can be overcome through open communication, transparent research practices, and collaboration with international organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO).

By embracing the spirit of medical diplomacy and cultural exchange, China and Uganda can forge a powerful partnership.This collaboration holds the potential to revolutionise healthcare systems, improve public health outcomes, and cultivate a deeper sense of understanding between two culturally rich nations. As they learn from each other’s ancient wisdom and modern expertise, China and Uganda can pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for their citizens and serve as a model for collaborative progress on the world stage.

Back to the 20th China-Africa lecture which inspired this Op-Ed, organised by China-Africa Institute (CAI) and the Development Watch Centre, the lecture attracted a number of scholars with Chinese side delegation of 4 professors led by CAI’s Vice President professor Wang Xiaoming and while Dr. Allawi Ssemanda, the Executive Director Development Watch Centre led the Ugandan side with participants drawn from among others; Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Makerere University, Ndeje University, Islamic University in Uganda, and African Rural University. Further Chinese professors held more community engagement (lectures) with focus on poverty eradication among others.

If such collaborations can be reinforced, both sides stand to benefit as it is one sure way of learning from each other as the two sides embark on building a community of shared future for mankind in the new era.

The writer is a senior research fellow at the Development Watch Centre.

 

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