In a significant meeting held on Tuesday, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, welcomed a high-level delegation from China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO) at the Special Forces Headquarters in Entebbe. The meeting underscored the longstanding partnership between Uganda and the Chinese defense giant.
The delegation was led by Mr. Liang Hongda, General Manager of the African & American Department at NORINCO. This visit marks a reflection on the 38-year strategic relationship between NORINCO and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), which began in 1986.
During the discussions, Gen. Kainerugaba, who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, praised NORINCO for its impressive growth and stature. He noted that NORINCO has become the largest aerospace and defense company globally, boasting annual revenues exceeding $82 billion.
Mr. Liang Hongda expressed NORINCO’s commitment to strengthening the collaboration with UPDF. He extended a personal invitation to Gen. Kainerugaba to visit China, highlighting that it has been 14 years since the Ugandan General’s last visit. This invitation aims to further deepen the ties and explore new avenues of cooperation.
The meeting was also attended by Brig. Gen. Dan Kakono, Commander of the UPDF Artillery Division. His presence underscored the importance of the artillery division’s role in the ongoing collaboration with NORINCO.
The 38-year partnership between NORINCO and UPDF has been instrumental in modernizing Uganda’s defense capabilities. This collaboration has involved various defense and aerospace projects, contributing significantly to the operational readiness and technological advancement of the UPDF.
As both parties continue to reflect on their shared achievements, the meeting set the stage for future engagements and projects. Gen. Kainerugaba’s prospective visit to China is anticipated to open new chapters in this enduring partnership.
The strategic relationship between NORINCO and UPDF stands as a testament to the mutual benefits of international defense cooperation, promising continued growth and stability for Uganda’s defense forces.