The Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, this afternoon met with Mr Ando Naoki, the Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Their discussion centred around JICA’s remarkable work in Uganda, past and future projects, including infrastructure development in Kampala, such as Lot II for the Kampala Flyover project and the reconstruction of the Karuma Bridge.
Gen Kainerugaba expressed his gratitude to JICA for its effective, responsible, and respectful approach to development assistance.
The cooperation between Uganda and JICA spans various areas, including Economic Infrastructure Development, Agricultural Development, Health Improvement, Access to Safe Water, Northern Reconstruction and Supporting Refugees in Uganda.
Other areas of focus include Education, Development Partnership Program, Human Development, and Capacity Building.
Mr Naoki emphasised Japan’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s development, noting that Japan views Uganda as an important anchor state (in terms of political stability and economic progress) in the East African and Horn of Africa region, pledging to continue their strong support for Uganda’s development.
This meeting follows Gen Kainerugaba’s historic visit as the first-ever CDF to visit Japan. The Ugandan General, who is also the Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, also met with General Yoshihide Yoshida, the Chief of Staff of the Japan Self-Defence Force.
Gen Kainerugaba’s visit has been well-received by the Japanese, further solidifying the strong partnership between Uganda and Japan.
