Newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, HE Sasayama Takuya, and Speaker Anita Among recently convened to discuss the advancement of bilateral cooperation between their respective nations, with a particular emphasis on technology and infrastructure.
During their meeting held at the Speaker’s office, Among commended Japan for its steadfast support over the past 62 years, which has yielded tangible results and improved livelihoods in Uganda.
Among specifically highlighted Japan’s notable contributions to infrastructural development, citing projects such as the impressive Nile Bridge and various road initiatives. She noted the importance of building upon existing areas of cooperation and fostering mutual support in trade, technological exchange, and education to equip Uganda’s youth with the necessary skills for a competitive future.
“In the years ahead, we hope to build upon those areas of mutual cooperation and support each other in trade, technological exchange and education to help skill our young population and prepare them for a competitive future.” she said
Speaking on behalf of parliament, she echoed appreciation for the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for its significant contributions to health, education, and infrastructure within the country.
Ambassador Sasayama affirmed Japan’s commitment to furthering bilateral cooperation, expressing a desire to strengthen ties between the Upper and Lower Chambers of the Japanese Parliament and the Parliament of Uganda.
In outlining future cooperation, Ambassador Sasayama emphasized Japan’s intention to focus on technology and youth empowerment, building upon previous areas of collaboration such as refugee support, infrastructure development, agriculture, and education. He acknowledged Uganda’s strategic importance as a regional hub and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to investing in the future generation of Ugandans.
“We recognize Uganda as a hub of this region historically and into the future; my government would like to invest in the future generation [youth],” he said.
Speaker Among seized the opportunity to propose Japanese involvement in the rehabilitation of the Karuma Bridge, which has recently undergone closure for necessary repairs. Drawing on the success of the collaborative effort behind the Nile Bridge, Among expressed hope for continued partnership on significant infrastructure projects like the Karuma Bridge.
“I hope that building upon the cooperation we had on the Nile Bridge, we also look forward to working together on other grand infrastructure projects such as the Karuma Bridge which is also due for an overhaul,” she said.
Overall, the dialogue between Ambassador Sasayama and Speaker Among focused on leveraging technology and empowering Uganda’s youth for sustainable development.
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