The Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has commended the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for its impactful and respectful approach to development in Uganda. During a meeting with Mr. Ando Naoki, JICA’s Senior Vice President, the two leaders discussed various ongoing and upcoming development initiatives.

Key topics included the progress of major infrastructure projects, such as the Kampala Flyover’s second phase and the planned reconstruction of the Karuma Bridge. These projects highlight Japan’s commitment to bolstering Uganda’s infrastructure and economic capacity.

Gen Kainerugaba acknowledged the diverse areas in which JICA supports Uganda. These include agricultural advancement, health services improvement, access to clean water, education, and capacity-building programs. JICA’s contributions have also been instrumental in northern Uganda’s reconstruction and refugee support programs.

Mr. Naoki reiterated Japan’s long-term commitment to Uganda, emphasizing the country’s strategic importance in promoting stability and economic growth in East Africa. He assured that JICA would remain a reliable partner in driving Uganda’s progress.

This meeting comes on the heels of Gen Kainerugaba’s historic visit to Japan, marking him as the first-ever Chief of Defence Forces from Uganda to engage in high-level discussions with Japanese counterparts. While in Japan, he held talks with Gen Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff of the Japan Self-Defence Forces, further enhancing military and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The collaboration between Uganda and Japan continues to strengthen, with both nations expressing optimism about future joint ventures to foster economic growth, social transformation, and regional stability.