Kampala — The Chinese government has donated US$100,000 (about TSh120 million) to flood victims in the eastern and northern part of Uganda.

Handing over the donation to the Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Prof Tarsis Kabwegyere, at the weekend, Chinese ambassador Sun Pehing said it is a token of friendly sentiments between the two countries.

"From July to October 2007, floods devastated the eastern and northern parts of Uganda and caused a heavy loss to lives and properties and the infrastructures were severely damaged," Mr Pehing said.

"Therefore, the purpose of the donation is to join in the efforts to help the Ugandan people who suffered the floods to rebuild their homeland."

Floods ravaged the north and east parts of the country killing over 80 people and leaving many homeless. The situation forced the government to declare state of emergency in the region, the first ever in 30 years.

Mr Pehing said since the China - Africa Summit in Beijing in 2006, economic and trade cooperation between the two countries have increased.??China and over 40 African head of states held a summit in China to expand and strengthen economic ties between the two sides.