By: Ismael Kasooha
TOKYO
The Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, held an engagement with Mr. Tanaka Akihiko, the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and discussed a wide range of issues for the good of Uganda.
“I want to thank the Japanese Government for the support extended to us as a country in several sectors which has enabled us to serve the citizens. Particularly I want to thank the Japanese Government for the Kampala Flyover Lot I which has changed the face of Kampala and helped to ease traffic flow in the City,” said Nabbanja.
The President of JICA Mr. Tanaka Akihiko welcoming the Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah at JICA Headquarters in Japan. Present among others is Ugandan Ambassador to Japan Tophus Kaahwa (far right)
Nabbanja, while in Tokyo at the JICA Headquarters in Japan, appealed to JICA to expedite the process for the commencement of the work on Lot II of the Flyover so that the objectives of the project are achieved.
She commended JICA for the construction of Jinja bridge that has eased congestion on the road and for the signalization of the junctions in Kampala has also helped in traffic flow in the City center.
“I want to thank you for supporting our country in rehabilitation and planned construction of the Karuma bridge which has outlived its life span. This clearly shows the love you have for the people of Uganda,” said Nabbanja.
The Premier assured the JICA board that she would give the necessary support to have the construction of Lot II of the Kampala Flyover begin.
Tanaka Akihiko, the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), responded that some more time is needed to conduct a survey to address current traffic demands of the city for now and the future.
Since the scale of the project is quite significant and potentially impactful, JICA has begun a survey this month to scrutinize the design and to consider the possibility of financing.
Tanaka hailed the Government of Uganda for its open door policy to hosting refugees which is the best.
“I’m impressed by the generosity of the Government of Uganda to accept many refugees and I think Uganda is one of the most kind countries for Refugees in the world. Our staff have been working on communities dealing with Refugees and are happy with the way you handle the refugees,” said Tanaka.
The Prime Minister also had a meeting with the Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary, His Excellency Yoshimasa Hayashi and discussed a wide range of issues for mutual benefit.
Nabbanja lauded the Government of Japan for their continued support extended to Uganda and the cordial relations between the two sister countries.
On his part, Yoshimasa said that Uganda was blessed with natural resources and had the potential to develop at a faster rate.
He commended Uganda for actively taking part in the Osaka Expo 2025 for the last 6 months that ends on the 13th of October 2025 and he pledged continued support to Uganda.
Additionally, the Premier had an engagement with the Japanese Business Federation (KEIDANREN) at their Headquarters in Tokyo. Among those she met was Mr. Tetsuji Ohashi, the President of Komatsu and Jun Karube, the Head of Toyota Tsusho Corporation .
Nabbanja invited the top entrepreneurs to invest in Uganda to create employment opportunities for Ugandans.
“As a country we have been supporting Toyota for many years and now I appeal to you to come and invest in our country to contribute to its development and socio-economic transformation,” said Nabbanja.
Mr. Tetsuji Ohashi, the President of Komatsu and Jun Karube, the head of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, were optimistic about investing in Uganda.
The Prime Minister was in Japan leading the Ugandan delegation at the Osaka 2025 Expo.
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