A historic milestone was achieved in Jinja City as the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) signed a landmark cooperation agreement with China’s Shandong Province, marking a new chapter in Busoga’s economic and social transformation.
The signing ceremony, held at the Civil Service College in Jinja, was graced by the Vice Governor of Shandong Province, H.E. Wen Nuan, and hosted by Rt. Hon. Dr. Rebecca Kadaga, Patron of the Busoga Consortium, alongside Hon. Frank Tibagendeka, Governor of the BCD. Also present were Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, Chairperson of the Busoga Ministerial Committee, Members of Parliament, District Chairpersons, Religious Leaders, Government Officials, School Representatives, and the general public.
In his address, Hon. Frank Tibagendeka welcomed the Shandong delegation, emphasizing that the partnership represents not just a diplomatic achievement but a practical step toward Busoga’s transformation through technology transfer, trade, and rural industrialization.
He described Busoga as a region rich in natural resources and human potential, highlighting ongoing initiatives such as the Village Agricultural Model (VAM), which is being implemented with technical guidance from China Agricultural University to drive grassroots transformation and household prosperity.
“This cooperation is a living testimony to the fruits of China–Africa collaboration and Busoga’s readiness to be a regional model for inclusive development,” Hon. Tibagendeka said.
Commitment from Busoga’s Leadership
Rt. Hon. Dr. Rebecca Kadaga lauded the cooperation as a reflection of Busoga’s growing international engagement. She commended the Shandong delegation for identifying Busoga as a strategic partner, emphasizing that the partnership would open new doors in agro-processing, education, and sustainable energy development.
Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, in her remarks, reaffirmed the Government and the BCD Ministerial Committee’s full commitment to supporting the cooperation, noting that Busoga’s multiple partnerships with China are already yielding tangible progress and promise.
“The Government stands firmly behind this cooperation. It represents a shared commitment to turn Busoga’s potential into prosperity,” she said.
Mr. Mula Anthony, Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development, emphasized the importance of the partnership as a pathway for investment, innovation, and capacity building. He thanked the Busoga Kingdom, local governments, and all leaders whose dedication continues to move Busoga closer to self-sustaining development.
Later, the delegation launched the AFRiGO Bamboo Project, a joint venture between Busoga and Shandong focused on the production and value addition of bamboo wood — part of the broader effort to promote green industry and environmental sustainability in the region.
A Future Built on Action and Partnership
The Busoga–Shandong partnership marks the dawn of a new era of transformation. With strong commitment from government, the Busoga Consortium leadership, and partners from Shandong, the region is ready to translate cooperation into real progress.
“This is not just a signing—it’s the beginning of a new chapter for Busoga’s development,” said Governor Frank Tibagendeka.