The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), Hon. Henry Okello
Oryem, today met with H.E. 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), scheduled to take place from 20th to 22nd August 2025 in
Yokohama, Japan.
Ambassador Sasayama congratulated Hon. Oryem on his recent electoral victory in the NRM
primaries and reiterated Japan’s commitment to continued collaboration with Uganda. He
highlighted the importance of Uganda’s early preparations for TICAD IX and formally requested
the official delegation list, including the designation of representatives to participate in the
various sessions of the high-level forum.
The Ambassador also inquired about Uganda’s current position on the Lock II phase of the JICA
supported road construction project. In response, Hon. Oryem reaffirmed Uganda’s consistent
stance, emphasizing that the project remains a national priority. He noted that with oil
production expected to begin within two years, Uganda’s GDP is projected to rise significantly
in the next five years, accompanied by increased vehicle use and an improved standard of living.
The Minister stressed the need to proceed with the Lock II phase to meet future infrastructure
demands.
Additionally, Ambassador Sasayama extended an invitation to Hon. Oryem to visit the ongoing
Osaka Expo in Japan and to attend Japan’s National Day celebrations on 8th October 2025. He
also commended Uganda for its strong participation in the Green Expo, where Uganda ranked
among the top three countries, closely following China and Lesotho.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong and growing ties between Uganda and Japan, with both
parties committed to mutual development, strategic cooperation, and shared engagement
through platforms such as TICAD.
