By Our Staff Reporter

Entebbe, Uganda | September 28, 2026
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for increased Japanese investment in Uganda, particularly in agro-processing, while urging Japan to support the country with road construction equipment to accelerate infrastructure development.

The President made the call during a meeting with a Japanese delegation led by Ambassador Takahashi Misako, Director General and Assistant Minister for African Affairs at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at State House, Entebbe. The discussions covered infrastructure, energy, investment, education, health and youth development.

Museveni commended Japan for its contribution to Uganda’s infrastructure development, citing projects including the Kampala Flyover and Karuma Bridge.

He said Uganda needs additional road construction machinery to enable local governments to undertake road works more efficiently. The President proposed that every local government should have its own heavy equipment instead of depending on machinery shared across districts.

The proposed equipment includes graders, trucks, compactors and other earth-moving machinery. Museveni said Uganda would be willing to acquire durable equipment that can be repaired and maintained locally, even where the machinery is not brand new.

He noted that Uganda had previously purchased road construction equipment from Japanese companies such as Komatsu and expressed interest in further cooperation in this area.

Museveni seeks engagement with Japanese firms

The President also proposed a meeting with Japanese companies operating in Uganda to discuss challenges affecting their businesses and identify ways of improving their operations.

He said direct engagement with the companies would help Government understand the difficulties they face and address issues that may affect investment.

Museveni further called on Japanese investors to increase their participation in Uganda’s agro-processing sector, arguing that value addition to agricultural products can create jobs, expand business opportunities and contribute to economic growth.

The call comes as Uganda continues to promote manufacturing and value addition as part of efforts to increase the economic returns from agricultural production.

Japan considers additional infrastructure support

Ambassador Takahashi said Japan would continue supporting Uganda in infrastructure, human-resource development, education, health and refugee-related programmes.

She said Japan was considering additional support for the Kampala Flyover and road-upgrading projects, while also exploring possible assistance for the improvement of the Kibuye-Busega road.

On Karuma Bridge, Ambassador Takahashi said a groundbreaking ceremony for its reconstruction was planned for November and expressed hope that President Museveni would attend if his schedule allows.

Japan has been involved in several infrastructure and development programmes in Uganda, while cooperation between the two countries also extends to education, health, engineering, agriculture and human-resource development.

The Japanese delegation said 17 Japanese companies currently have operations in Uganda in sectors including transport, health, manufacturing and agriculture.

Ambassador Takahashi emphasised the importance of maintaining a business environment that supports foreign investment and said Japan would like to see more Japanese companies establish operations in Uganda.

She also highlighted Japan’s support for Uganda through education and skills-development programmes.

According to the ambassador, more than 200 Ugandans have studied in Japan under Japanese Government scholarship programmes, while more than 4,000 Ugandans have participated in Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) training programmes.

A total of 846 JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers have also been deployed to Uganda over the years, with 37 currently serving in different parts of the country.

Cooperation beyond infrastructure

The discussions also covered Uganda’s role in regional peace and stability, refugee support and public health.

Ambassador Takahashi commended Uganda for hosting refugees and said Japan would continue supporting efforts aimed at improving the welfare of refugees and host communities.

She also recognised Uganda’s regional security engagements, including its involvement in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and recalled Japan’s support to Uganda during the Ebola outbreak.

The two countries also discussed the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), which has served as a platform for strengthening Japan-Africa cooperation since its establishment in 1993.

The meeting reflects the broader efforts by Uganda and Japan to deepen bilateral cooperation while expanding opportunities in investment, infrastructure, skills development and economic transformation.