The Chinese government has reaffirmed partnership commitment with the government of Uganda in the implementation of various development initiatives.
This stemmed from the recent fake news claiming Uganda had surrendered her only Entebbe International Airport to Chinese after failing to pay the loan.
The government of Uganda dismissed allegations of the sale of the airport to the Chinese over a loan. Henry Okello Oryem, the Foreign Affairs Minister of State in charge International Cooperation revealed that the airport has not been surrendered.
The same reports were also reverted by the CAA spokesperson who noted that government cannot give away a national asset adding that it has not happened and it’s not going to happen stating that there wasn’t any ounce of truth in this and it should be treated with disregard it deserves.
Zhang Lizhong,the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda in his speech yesterday affirming to the people of Uganda that the People’s Republic of China are committed to continue the implementation of several development programs in Uganda.
In Mach, 2015, Uganda and Chinese government signed the financing agreement with strict observance of international diplomatic principles.
The minister confirmed that Uganda has not defaulted any loan repayment as being alleged adding that the first phase of repayment is slated to begin in April, 2022.
He added that the agreement is guaranteed by sovereign credit and not by national asset.
Ambassador Zhang said that the takeover news was completely the work of detractors who are not aware of the alleged takeover of Entebbe International Airport. We are committed to continue supporting Uganda in her various programs Ambassador Zhang said.
In the event that the benefitting country defaults on the loan, they resort to mutual diplomatic consultation and review of possible debt reduction and restructuring.
Ambassador Zhang maintained that the two counties have continued to enjoy critical diplomatic relations and development commitment.
The expansion of Entebbe International Airport with which the loan was acquired is currently ongoing with the progress works standing at 75.1% and is expected to be completed by December 2022 despite COVID19 pandemic setback.
