President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has held high-level bilateral talks with Japan's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Onishi Yohei, to strengthen trade partnerships and infrastructure development between the two nations.
The meeting took place at State House following the President's official inauguration ceremony at the Kololo Independence Grounds. H.E. Onishi Yohei attended the diplomatic briefing as the official representative of the Prime Minister of Japan. He was accompanied by Japan’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Sasayama Takuya. The discussions signaled a renewed commitment to expanding economic and technical cooperation as President Museveni begins his new executive term.
President Museveni expressed gratitude for Japan’s continuous support toward major transport and infrastructure projects in East Africa. He confirmed his readiness to attend the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the New Karuma Bridge. Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the new bridge aims to improve safety and boost regional trade along the Northern Corridor.
The President also invited Japanese firms to expand their footprint in Uganda's growing manufacturing and industrial sectors. He explained that Africa's rapid population growth and expanding continental markets offer highly lucrative opportunities for foreign investors. Uganda aims to leverage these corporate partnerships to drive local value addition and advance socio-economic transformation.
The diplomatic engagement concluded with both delegations pledging to deepen long-standing bilateral frameworks. Technical teams from both countries will collaborate to fast-track pending industrial projects and streamline trade channels. Government officials emphasized that the strategic alliance with Tokyo remains central to securing shared prosperity and technological exchange for Ugandans.
