Deputy Speaker Urges Chinese Lawmakers to Promote Uganda as Top Tourism Destination

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has urged a visiting delegation from the Chinese National People’s Congress (NPC) to use their influence to promote Uganda as a prime tourism destination for Chinese tourists. Speaking to the delegation led by Zhong Shan at Parliament on Monday, September 23, Tayebwa highlighted Uganda's potential as a tourist hotspot, describing it as the “Pearl of Africa.”

“We hope your visit will help raise the profile of Uganda in China as a destination for Chinese tourists. We appeal to you to use your office to encourage them to visit,” Tayebwa said.

Zhong Shan, a member of the NPC’s Standing Committee and Chairman of the Financial and Economic Committee, led the delegation. He expressed China’s readiness to strengthen relations and support Uganda’s tourism efforts.

Tayebwa also commended China for its contributions to Uganda’s infrastructure development, including projects like the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, Isimba and Karuma Hydro Power Plants, and the expansion of Entebbe International Airport, which were financed through Chinese loans. Additionally, he appreciated the favourable trade relations, highlighting China’s 98% tax waiver on imports from Uganda, though he noted challenges in meeting export standards for products like beef and fish.

Zhong assured Tayebwa that China will continue its commitment to deepening relations with Africa and pledged to present Uganda’s proposals to his committee upon returning to China.