The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), Hon. Okello Oryem, held a bilateral meeting with the Country Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Uganda, Mr. Inoue Yoichi, on May 30, 2025. The meeting took place at the Ministry’s headquarters and focused on strengthening the longstanding partnership between Uganda and Japan, particularly through JICA’s development programs.
Mr. Inoue shared an overview of JICA’s active and ongoing support across Uganda. He highlighted the successful completion of major infrastructure projects, including the iconic Karuma Bridge, as a testament to the fruitful cooperation between the two countries. He further expressed JICA’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Uganda by undertaking more development projects in key sectors.
In particular, Mr. Inoue pointed to current initiatives in Yumbe District, located in the West Nile region, with a focus on livelihood improvement, horticulture, and rice cultivation. These interventions are aimed at enhancing food security, income generation, and resilience in both the West Nile and Northern regions of Uganda.
Hon. Okello Oryem welcomed JICA’s continued involvement in Uganda’s development agenda and commended the Government of Japan for its consistent support. He reaffirmed Uganda’s readiness to work closely with JICA to identify priority areas that align with national development goals, especially in agriculture, infrastructure, and community development.
The meeting concluded with mutual appreciation for the strong bilateral relationship and a shared commitment to deepening cooperation for the benefit of the people of Uganda.
