The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has made a historic visit to the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China.
Accompanied by senior Chinese military officials, Gen Muhoozi toured Mao’s childhood home in Shaoshan Village, Xiangtan, Hunan Province, where Mao was born in 1893 and spent his early years.
The Ugandan delegation also visited the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and the Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall, which display artifacts and military equipment from Mao’s life and era.
At the bronze statue of Chairman Mao, Gen Muhoozi laid a wreath and bowed in respect, describing the experience as a “moving moment of reflection.”
He emphasized Mao’s lasting influence on Africa.
“Chairman Mao inspired Africans to stand up and fight for their dignity. His legacy continues to guide us as we strengthen our partnerships with China,” Gen Muhoozi said.
The visit underscores the historical and ideological ties between Uganda and China.
President Museveni has often cited Mao’s leadership as an example for African leaders, while Muhoozi has previously praised Mao on social media for teaching Africans how to resist oppression.
Chinese officials accompanying the CDF welcomed the gesture, noting that it reinforced the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
Before visiting Shaoshan, Gen. Muhoozi’s delegation held high-level meetings with Chinese military leaders, defence industry representatives, and officials responsible for African affairs.
These engagements are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen nearly four decades of defence cooperation between Uganda and China.