Exclusive: A fresh ownership dispute has erupted among Chinese investors over control of Tian Tang Group and its subsidiary, FAFA Glass Ltd, reigniting tensions within one of Uganda’s largest Chinese-led industrial groups.
The latest row pits a section of the company’s shareholders against one of their own, Mr. Zhu Xiling, also known as Leo.
In a statement released on Monday, FAFA Glass Ltd confirmed that Mr. Zhu had been relieved of his duties and no longer holds any stake in the company.
“This is to formally confirm that Mr. Zhu Xiling (Leo) has ceased to be an employee of FAFA Glass Ltd with immediate effect,” the company said, adding that “Mr. Zhu holds no shares, ownership interest, or beneficial stake in FAFA Glass Ltd or Tian Tang Group.”
The statement further noted that Mr. Zhu is “not authorized to act for, represent, or speak on behalf of either FAFA Glass Ltd or Tian Tang Group in any capacity.”
FAFA Glass Ltd warned that any actions or representations made by Mr. Zhu following the announcement would be deemed “entirely personal,” and that the companies would not bear any legal or financial responsibility. The management also reserved the right to take legal action against any unauthorized representation or misrepresentation made in their name.
Background of Previous Disputes
In 2024, Tian Tang Group was entangled in another partnership dispute with Automobile Group Uganda Ltd over ownership and control.
According to company records, Automobile Group (U) Ltd was established in December 2019 through a cooperation agreement between Mr. Liu Qingshan, Mr. Yan Sheng, and Mr. Zhang Zhigang. The company’s mission was to assemble automobiles in Uganda.
Tian Tang Group authorized its chairman to invest in the venture, allocating 10 acres of land in the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, a 640-square-meter exhibition hall, a 2,700-square-meter workshop, and residential apartments in Namanve Industrial Park — rent-free for three years.
However, disputes arose in April 2023 when Mr. Liu allegedly registered a competing company, Watu Auto Works (U) Ltd, followed by NEC-WATU Automobile (U) Ltd, without the consent of other shareholders. Tian Tang Group accused Mr. Liu of violating the cooperation agreement, excluding partners, and forging the chairman’s signature to alter shareholding structures.
Efforts to mediate the dispute through Col. Edith Nakalema, head of the State House Investors Protection Unit, reportedly failed after Mr. Liu declined to cooperate. A proposed audit to establish the company’s true financial status was never concluded.
Tian Tang Group said its lawyers, K&K Advocates (Kiwanuka & Karugire), have since initiated legal proceedings to evict Mr. Liu’s companies from their premises, with mediation efforts by Gen. James Mugira still ongoing.
Allegations and Denials
Tian Tang Group also dismissed recent claims that it charges money from investors seeking to meet President Yoweri Museveni or other senior government officials.
“These allegations are false and malicious,” the company said, suggesting that they were being propagated by Mr. Liu’s associates.
The group emphasized that it provides free investment support services — including business registration, certification, importation clearance, and tax compliance — to investors in the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park.
“Tian Tang Group maintains a professional relationship with all government agencies. We remain committed to transparency, accuracy, and truthfulness,” the company noted, urging the public to disregard false reports.
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