A contestant shows his calligraphy work during the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for university and secondary students at the Confucius Institute of Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, June 25, 2022.Photo:Xinhua

Uganda on Saturday held the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for university and secondary students here at the Confucius Institute of Makerere University.

This year's competition was organized with the theme "One world, One Family" for the university category and "Fly High with Chinese" for the secondary category.

During the final round of the competition, a total of 13 finalists from the two categories showcased their Chinese language skills and understanding of the Chinese culture through speeches, quizzes and cultural performances.

Moses Echoni won the competition in the university category and Noah Killeen won that in the secondary category, and will represent Uganda to compete in the global finals.

"Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition winners Noah Killeen (2nd R) and Moses Echoni (2nd L) pose for a group photo after receiving certificates and prizes during the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for university and secondary students at the Confucius Institute of Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, June 25, 2022.Photo:Xinhua

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhang Lizhong said the annual competition has promoted cultural exchanges between the two countries, and become a platform for students to make friends.

"The Chinese language has become not only a golden key to understand China, but also a golden bridge to strengthen our mutual support, solidarity and bilateral cooperation in various fields, and continuously deepen the China-Uganda comprehensive cooperative partnership," he said.

Director of Uganda's National Curriculum Development Centre Grace Baguma said that an increasing number of teachers in Uganda are taking Chinese language courses, and that the Chinese language is now taught at the ordinary secondary school level.

"Through the 'Chinese Bridge,' we realize we are one," said Gilbert Gumoshabe, director of the Confucius Institute of Makerere University.

A contestant shows his calligraphy work during the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese proficiency competition for university and secondary students at the Confucius Institute of Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, June 25, 2022.Photo:Xinhua