JINJA — The Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) will on October 13, 2025, host a delegation from China’s Shandong Province, led by Vice Governor Wen Nuan, for the signing of a Cooperation Agreement at the Civil Service College in Jinja City.
The deal is expected to open a new chapter of collaboration between Busoga and one of China’s most economically advanced provinces, setting the stage for joint projects in industrial growth, agricultural modernization, and technology transfer.
According to Mula Anthony, Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development, the partnership underscores Busoga’s growing readiness to attract and sustain international cooperation.
“This partnership demonstrates Busoga’s readiness to engage with global partners to achieve shared growth and development. It represents a new chapter of opportunity for the people of Busoga,” Mula said.
The initiative follows a July 2024 royal and government visit to China led by Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope alongside the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Isanga Nakadama.
During that mission, the Busoga delegation held bilateral discussions with several Chinese provinces — including Shandong — which laid the foundation for cooperation in education, trade, and agriculture.
At the upcoming signing ceremony, Bishop Frank Tibagendeka, Governor of the Busoga Consortium, will represent Busoga, while Vice Governor Wen Nuan will sign on behalf of Shandong Province.
The event will be presided over by the Chief Guest, Rebecca Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Patron of the BCD.
Other dignitaries expected include Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, ministers, members of parliament, Busoga Kingdom officials, district chairpersons, schools, Masaza tournament teams, and hundreds of residents.
Located in eastern China, Shandong Province is one of the country’s most industrialized regions, boasting a GDP of USD 1.39 trillion in 2024 — the third highest among Chinese provinces.
With a population exceeding 100 million people and over 10,000 agro-processing enterprises, Shandong has been at the forefront of China’s agricultural and manufacturing expansion.
Under the partnership, Busoga aims to leverage Shandong’s experience to enhance its agricultural value chains, promote industrial parks, strengthen vocational education, and boost cultural and economic exchanges.
The cooperation also aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Busoga Regional Transformation Agenda, both of which emphasize inclusive growth and local capacity building.
Mula said the partnership will particularly focus on empowering youth and farmers through knowledge exchange and infrastructure support.
“This visit reflects the fruits of diplomatic engagement initiated by the Kyabazinga’s 2024 mission to China, confirming that Busoga is now on the global map for progressive partnerships,” he noted.
The cooperation agreement is expected to be one of the most comprehensive international development frameworks ever signed by a Ugandan region, signaling Busoga’s emergence as a key participant in global subnational diplomacy.