Zhang Lizhong, the Chinese ambassador to Uganda, has stated that his nation will not penalise Uganda for passing the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023.
China, which has made sizable investments and has grown to be a significant partner in the development of Uganda’s key industries like infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy, claims that relations with Uganda are free of political entanglements and meddling in domestic affairs.
Following the law’s implementation on May 26, Uganda’s Western allies threatened to impose sanctions because they believed it to be backward and to violate human rights.
“I can assure you that China will not follow suit, you can remain worry-free. I think it is a domestic issue, and we respect the sovereignty of Uganda, including passing laws, constitutional procedures, protecting your home, traditions, customs, and morality,” Mr. Lizhong said.
“We do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, we do not impose our will and values on other countries, and we do not attach political strings to cooperation with our friends. Your other partners may have different views, but we will not follow them on these issues,” he added.
He was speaking on Monday in Kampala during an update on the status of a Shs44 billion Uganda-China project aimed at enhancing agriculture.
In a brief statement, US President Joe Biden said his country would assess how it supported the HIV/AIDS campaign in Uganda.
“I have directed my Security Council to evaluate the implications of this law on all aspects of the US engagement with Uganda, including our ability to safely deliver services under the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments,” President Biden wrote.
The Chinese diplomat made use of the occasion to highlight the robust alternative that he claimed his nation’s diplomatic relations were.
“Chinese modernization is a peaceful development and will bring more certainty to world peace, stability, and justice. Dominance and hegemony are not the aims of China’s development. It has broken down the stereotyped mindset of equating modernization to Westernisation. China wishes to continuously work hand in hand with Africa to explore innovative modernisation paths suitable for both sides” he said
According to Mr. Lizhong, China upholds values such as respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations and refraining from meddling in their internal affairs. It also opposes unilateralism, group politics, and bloc confrontation. It also rejects the use of double standards, indiscriminate unilateral sanctions, and long-arm jurisdiction.
Over the years, President Museveni has managed the delicate balancing act between Western allies that provide funding for important sectors like justice, law and order, health, and education, among others.
As Western criticism of governance issues has increased, he has gotten closer to alternative sources of funding, primarily China for infrastructure.