On December 17, the China-Uganda "Belt and Road" Joint Laboratory on Natural Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning, supported by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology and co-established by Tsinghua University and Makerere University, was inaugurated at Makerere University. Counselor Wang Jianxun, John Chrysostom Muyingo, The State Minister for Higher Education of Uganda, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, attended and delivered speeches.

Counselor Wang introduced the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the achievements of China's zero-tariff policy on Africa. He stated that the launch of this joint laboratory is another example of the continued exchange and cooperation between China and Uganda under the "Belt and Road" Initiative. It will serve as a key platform for strengthening scientific and technological cooperation and capacity building in the fields of public safety, and disaster prevention and mitigation, thus to promote innovation, security, and sustainable development.

The Ugandan side stated that China and Uganda have long-term profound friendship and partnership. The establishment of this joint laboratory is timely for Uganda facing many challenges in disaster risks, marking a new chapter in scientific and technological exchange and cooperation between the two nations.