Museveni signs deal with Chinese company to construct Kasese railway line

President Yoweri Museveni in China. PPU photo

President Yoweri Museveni on Monday witnessed signing of engineering procurement and construction contract between China Habour Engineering Company (CHEC) and Uganda government.
According to Ms Linda Nabusayi, the deputy presidential spokesperson, the deal is for the construction of the southern corridor Kasese railway line.
“The deal is for CHEC to construct the southern corridor Kasese railway line. It has been a heavy day and we are still on. HE the president has also met and held a discussion with Zambia President Edgar Lunga who paid a courtesy call on him at Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing,” said Ms Nabusayi.

Meanwhile, Mr Museveni who is currently on a five day visit to China, has travelled on a speed train from Tianjin to Beijing, 122kms apart.
The President had landed at the Tianjin Airport from attending the BOAO Forum Asia Annual Conference held at Sanya in China’s southern Hainan Province. The train service is operated and owned by the Chinese Railways Corporation.
The President who is accompanied by his wife and Minister of Karamoja was received at the Tianjin airport by Mr Zhab Zhi Qiang who is the Secretary General of the Local Municipal government in Tianjin.
Presidential delegation includes the Ministers of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Matia Kasaija, defence Minister Dr Crispus Kiyonga, works and transport minister Engineer John Byabagambi, Minister of state for international affairs, Mr Okello Oryem and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry of defence, Ms Rosette Byengoma, among others.

Before the President left for Beijing, he was hosted by the Acting ruling Party Secretary General who is also the Mayor of the City of Tianjin, Mr Huang Xingguo at his office. Mr Museveni and his host discussed a number of issues that are beneficial to China and Uganda.
Mr Museveni blamed the slow pace of development in Uganda to the indiscipline of government bureaucrats, before extending an invitation to the Chinese saying “we want you to come to awaken these people by examples.”
The President asked the Chinese Government to also to put up a similar park in Uganda that is similar to that of the Suez Canal in Egypt pointing out that much of what has been done in China can be done in Uganda.