By Faridah N Kulumba
Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), Hon. Henry Okello Oryem, on 24th July 2025 met with Sasayama Takuya, Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, at the Ministry Headquarters in Kampala. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and Uganda’s preparations for the upcoming 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IX). During a high-level meeting between minister Oryem and ambassador Sasayama they reaffirmed Uganda and Japanese commitment to mutual cooperation and strategic development. The diplomatic engagement comes in the run-up to the 9th Tokyo TICAD IX, scheduled to take place from August 20 to 22, 2025, in Yokohama, Japan.
Focus of the discussions
Uganda and Japanese recent discussion mainly focused on Ambassador Sasayama’s inquires on the Lock II phase of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-supported road construction project in Uganda. Hon. Oryem responded by emphasizing Uganda’s consistent commitment to the project, describing it as a “national priority.” He noted that Uganda’s economy is on the cusp of major transformation, with oil production set to begin within two years, which is expected to significantly raise GDP and spur demand for improved road infrastructure. “With increased vehicle use and rising living standards on the horizon, we must proceed with the Lock II phase to meet the infrastructure needs of the future,” said Oryem.The two leaders also discussed Uganda’s preparations for the summit and broader bilateral priorities, including infrastructure development and international collaboration. Japan assured Uganda of commitment to advancing cooperation through bilateral frameworks and multilateral forums such as TICAD. He also formally requested Uganda’s official delegation list, highlighting the importance of early planning and active participation in the summit’s various high-level sessions. Uganda’s participation in TICAD forums has historically focused on infrastructure, health, education, and private sector development, all areas that align closely with Japan’s support through JICA and other bilateral frameworks.
What TICAD means to Uganda
Uganda’s participation in TICAD forums has historically focused on infrastructure, health, education, and private sector development, all areas that align closely with Japan’s support through JICA and other bilateral frameworks. As preparations for TICAD IX intensify, Uganda is expected to highlight its oil and gas prospects, infrastructure ambitions, and the role of sustainable development in shaping the country’s future. The Yokohama summit will mark another milestone in Uganda-Japan relations, which continue to strengthen through sustained dialogue, shared interests, and forward-looking cooperation.
Both nation’s relations
In the past decades Japan and Uganda have been enjoying a close friendly relationship. In the area of economic cooperation, the Government of Japan has been implementing various projects and programs for food security, infrastructure, human resource development, etc. In 2009 alone, Japan’s ODA to Uganda amounted to approximately $150 million which is geared to the TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) development process for Africa. Besides, there are a lot of young Japanese people working with dedication as Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and NGO volunteers all over Uganda at grassroot level in various fields of cooperation to help develop the local communities.
In the area of business, there is a growing interest in Uganda among Japanese companies as a new and promising investment destination. A number of Japanese firms have visited Uganda to explore possibilities in various sectors including oil, agriculture and tourism. There have been mutual visits by high-ranking officials between Uganda and Japan; Hon. Nishimura, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs visited Uganda on the occasion of the AU Conference, Hon; Okello Oryem, State Minister of International Affairs visited Japan at the invitation of the Government of Japan; and Hon. Maria Mutagamba, Minister of Water and Environment attended the COP10 meeting held in Japan. All these visits contributed much to promoting and strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries, and working together for global issues. In 2022, Uganda held its first ever Japan-Uganda Business Forum in Tokyo, Japan to attract Japanese investors and business community to Uganda. The main objective of the Uganda-Japan Business Forum was to strengthen Bilateral Trade, as well as promote and explore investment opportunities for the mutual benefit of both Countries.
Cooperations
On 25 November 2024, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, made his first official visit to Japan, to strengthen security and military relations between the two countries. Ugandan’s CDF Muhoozi also Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, Government of Uganda (GOU), held a meeting with the Chief of Staff of the Japan Self-Defence Force, Gen Yoshihide Yoshida, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Ichigaya, Tokyo. Japan has been cooperating in a wide range of fields, including the promotion of rice farming and infrastructure development and also supports Uganda’s economic growth through public-private partnerships. Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Fujii Hisayuki told General Muhoozi during the meeting they held in 2024.
Trade remains vital, with Uganda exporting coffee and fish worth USD 18.2 million to Japan in 2018, while Japanese exports, including machinery and vehicles, totalled USD 316 million. Japan and Uganda are working to strengthen bilateral trade relations, with Japan importing Ugandan products like coffee and minerals, and exporting items like automobiles and steel. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is a major player in Japan’s development cooperation with Uganda, focusing on various sectors, including infrastructure, rural development, and health. Japan has supported Uganda’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, particularly through Nakawa Vocational Training Institute (NVTI), by providing equipment, training, and technical support to improve the quality of vocational training.
The two countries maintain a strong, cooperative relationship, particularly in development and economic partnership. Japan has been a significant donor and partner in Uganda’s development, with a focus on infrastructure, human resource development, and economic growth with areas of cooperation include agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure development, especially in Northern Uganda.
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