Beijing, China: The Prime Minister of the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom (BKK), Owek. Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi, this week held a high-level meeting with Mr Shao Dan, Vice President of CNOOC International Ltd, at the company’s headquarters in Beijing, as part of efforts to deepen cooperation and attract new investment opportunities to the kingdom and Uganda at large.
During the cordial engagement on Monday, November 03, 2025, Owek. Byakutaga expressed appreciation to CNOOC for its continued investment in the Bunyoro-Kitara region and the support it extends to local communities, particularly through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives linked to Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
“We commend CNOOC for its contribution to Bunyoro’s socio-economic transformation and for the support given to our people through education, infrastructure, and community development,” Owek. Byakutaga said.
He encouraged the company to explore additional investment prospects beyond the oil sector, particularly in tourism, hospitality, and housing, which he said offer vast potential for job creation and sustainable growth within the kingdom.
CNOOC Reaffirms Commitment to Partnership with Bunyoro
In response, Mr. Shao Dan, the Vice President of CNOOC International, welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom and the people of Uganda.
“We are grateful for the strong cooperation between CNOOC and the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom. Our mission remains to ensure that our operations deliver shared value to local communities and the country,” Mr. Shao said.
He briefed the Prime Minister on CNOOC’s global operations, ongoing oil production projects in Uganda, and the company’s plans to expand investments in community-driven initiatives. “CNOOC will continue supporting the Kingdom’s development agenda and explore new areas of cooperation that align with Uganda’s national priorities,” Mr Shao added.
The Beijing meeting took place on the sidelines of an international workshop at Peking University, where Owek. Byakutaga was a guest speaker representing African traditional kingdoms.
The workshop focused on fostering cooperation between African traditional institutions and Chinese enterprises, emphasizing cultural diplomacy, sustainable partnerships, and shared development goals.
“Our traditional institutions play a vital role in connecting communities with global partners,” Owek. Byakutaga noted. “We are working to position Bunyoro-Kitara as a bridge between culture, investment, and sustainable development.”
Bunyoro’s Expanding Role in Global Diplomacy
The Prime Minister’s visit to China highlights Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom’s growing role in international diplomacy and its commitment to forging partnerships that advance cultural and economic exchange.
Over the past few years, the Kingdom has intensified collaboration with international partners to promote tourism, investment, and cultural preservation, aligning with Uganda’s broader Vision 2040 development agenda.
“Our engagement with global partners like CNOOC demonstrates that traditional leadership remains relevant in advancing development, peace, and international cooperation,” Owek. Byakutaga emphasized.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Yong Chen, an assistant professor at Peking University, who accompanied the Prime Minister. The CNOOC delegation included Mr. Liu Yuchen, Public Relations Director, and Mr. Song Yuandong, Public Relations Manager.
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