By The Newz Zone Editorial
Mbale, Uganda — Oliver Wonekha, Uganda’s Ambassador to China, hosted a high-level Chinese delegation to a warm and culturally rich dinner reception at Mbale Resort Hotel, offering the visitors a memorable introduction to her home city of Mbale.
The evening unfolded on a vibrant cultural note, with guests treated to a spectacular performance of the Kadodi dance—widely recognized as the “Imbalu” dance—an iconic tradition of the Bagisu people. The energetic drumbeats, colorful traditional attire, and synchronized movements created a captivating and authentic Ugandan welcome, setting the tone for what promises to be a fruitful engagement between the two nations.
In her remarks, Ambassador Wonekha expressed deep appreciation for the delegation’s visit and underscored the enduring and strong partnership between Uganda and China, which spans more than six decades of diplomatic relations. She commended Wang Guiqing, Chairman of the delegation, for leading a team of investors and industry representatives to Uganda, describing the visit as a significant step toward deepening economic cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties.
The Ambassador assured the delegation of a pleasant and productive stay, emphasizing the importance of such exchanges in fostering mutual understanding and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration. She noted that the visit would include engagements with key government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), particularly the Uganda Investment Authority, where discussions will center on knowledge sharing, investment facilitation, and partnership development.
Ambassador Wonekha further highlighted that the delegation would have the opportunity to witness firsthand a range of development initiatives undertaken by Chinese enterprises operating in Uganda, offering practical insights into ongoing cooperation and the tangible impact of these investments on the ground.
Reiterating Uganda’s strategic development priorities, she pointed to key sectors driving the country’s transformation agenda, including agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral development, and science, technology, and innovation. She encouraged the delegation to explore these sectors, emphasizing Uganda’s openness to investment and its commitment to maintaining a conducive and competitive business environment.
The dinner reception not only celebrated cultural heritage but also symbolized the growing and dynamic ties between Uganda and China, as both countries continue to strengthen collaboration in trade, investment, and sustainable development.
Earlier, the delegation officially kicked off Day One of the Uganda–China Coffee Investment and Destination Tour 2026 with a visit to the renowned Source of the Nile—the starting point of the world’s longest river, stretching approximately 6,650 kilometers to the Mediterranean Sea. The delegation enjoyed a scenic boat cruise along the Nile, where an experienced guide, David, shared fascinating insights into the river’s rich history and global significance.
The Nile, first documented at this point by John Hanning Speke, who referred to it as the “zero point,” is formed by a combination of spring and lake water and flows northwards through several countries before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. It comprises two major tributaries—the White Nile and the Blue Nile—making it one of the most iconic and historically significant rivers in the world.