Africa-Press – Uganda. The Government of Japan, through the Nippon Foundation, has unveiled a USD 478,577 (about Shs 1.8 billion) project aimed at supporting the rehabilitation and empowerment of injured servicemen, veterans, and their families in Uganda.
The initiative, officially launched by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, falls under the program “Consolidating Physical and Psychosocial Services at Mubende Rehabilitation Centre and Establishing a Veterans Skilling Centre in Kakiri.”
It is designed to enhance medical rehabilitation, psychosocial counselling, vocational training, and community reintegration for soldiers who have suffered injuries in the line of duty.
Speaking at the launch, Oboth commended the Nippon Foundation and the Government of Japan for their generosity, describing the partnership as a lifeline for those who sacrificed for Uganda’s stability.
“This project represents a significant step forward in strengthening the welfare and dignity of our veterans and serving soldiers who have given so much for the peace and security of our beloved country,” he remarked.
The Minister also reflected on Uganda’s turbulent history, noting that in just two decades after independence, the country endured eight changes of government, leaving deep institutional wounds.
He observed that while Uganda has since emerged as a respected peacekeeper in Africa, many soldiers continue to carry visible and invisible scars of war.
“The Nippon Foundation project is not just about healing it is a blueprint for inclusive development, a model for civil-military partnership, and a reminder that as a nation, we must build even as we heal,” he emphasised.
Japan’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Takuya Sasayama, praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for their role in regional peacekeeping missions and underlined Japan’s long-standing cooperation with Uganda through the UN. “This project reflects our shared belief that security is not only about military capability but also about how we treat those who have borne the burden of defending our nations,” the Ambassador said.
Brig Gen Moses Kwikiriza, Commandant of the Defence Forces Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre, hailed the project as a much-needed boost to the institution’s ongoing efforts.
“This marks a new chapter in our mission to care for, rehabilitate, and reintegrate our injured service personnel and veterans into society. The equipment and training facilities donated will have a profound impact on the lives of those undergoing rehabilitation,” he noted, adding that the expanded facilities would modernise the Centre’s services.
Established in 1986 as the Chieftaincy of Mubende Rehabilitation Centre, the Defence Forces Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre provides prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, mental health support, and vocational skills to war-injured soldiers. Its mission is to restore dignity and livelihoods, preparing rehabilitated officers for redeployment or civilian life.
Defence Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rosette Byengoma, also underscored the timeliness of the project, stressing that rehabilitation goes beyond physical recovery.
“It is about restoring confidence, resilience, and dignity. Uganda is deeply grateful to Japan for standing with us and demonstrating that true security is measured not only by military strength, but also by how a nation takes care of its veterans,” she said.
The launch was attended by senior UPDF commanders, Ministry of Defence officials, Japanese representatives, local leaders, and veteran associations, marking a significant milestone in Uganda Japan cooperation for soldier welfare.
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