On November 25, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), held a 45-minute meeting with Mr. Fujii Hisayuki, Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, during his official visit to Japan.
State Minister Fujii welcomed Gen. Kainerugaba on his inaugural visit to Japan and commended the growing bilateral ties between the two nations.
He highlighted recent collaborations and mutual visits by dignitaries as a testament to their strengthening relationship, expressing optimism for deeper cooperation ahead of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in 2025.
Discussions focused on Japan’s contributions to Uganda’s economic development through initiatives such as promoting rice farming, infrastructure projects, and fostering public-private partnerships.
Gen. Kainerugaba expressed gratitude for Japan’s long-standing support, particularly in areas like infrastructure development and education.
Additionally, State Minister Fujii elaborated on Japan’s security policies and engaged Gen. Kainerugaba on fostering peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Uganda has troops deployed in Somalia under the Africa Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), an AU/UN mission aimed at stabilising the country.