The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has held talks with Japan’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Takuya Sasayama, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Defence headquarters in Mbuya.
The talks focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, Uganda’s peace and stabilisation efforts in the region and infrastructure development.
Hon. Kiwanuka commended Japan for its longstanding relations with Uganda, and appreciated its support for infrastructure development, including the Kampala traffic management system, the Jinja Bridge and flyover projects.
He underscored the role of military diplomacy in facilitating faster and more effective cooperation and expressed optimism for the deployment of a Japanese military attaché to Uganda.
“We are looking forward to having a military attaché here. As soon as he comes, we shall engage him and understand how we can benefit and work together under the Official Security Assistance (OSA) arrangement,” Hon. Kiwanuka said.
The Minister thanked Japan for its support towards infrastructure development at the Defence Forces Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre, which plays a critical role in rehabilitating veteran militants and supporting their welfare and that of their families.
“It is very easy to forget a person whom you think is no longer as useful as before, but it is very important to thank them and appreciate what they have done. Anyone who supports us with Mubende absolutely understands the ultimate sacrifice a soldier makes,” Hon. Kiwanuka said.
Ambassador Sasayama highlighted ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, including the proposed construction of Karuma Bridge and flyover developments, which he said were expected to commence before the end of the year.
The Ambassador also introduced the Official Security Assistance framework, which initially operates under Japan’s engagement with the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the security sector. He said the anticipated arrival of a Japanese military attaché would strengthen defence cooperation and enhance the military capabilities of both countries.
“Next year will mark our 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and national independence. I am looking forward to working more closely together than before,” Ambassador Sasayama said.
The meeting was attended by the Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, Mrs Edith Buturo; the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Samuel Okiding; and the First Secretary to the Japanese Ambassador, Mr Masanobu Tonemitsu.
