President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Japanese companies to increase their investments in Uganda’s private sector, emphasizing that such investments would significantly contribute to job creation, economic growth, and the overall improvement of living standards across the country.
The President made the call on Friday April 02 2025 while meeting Japan’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Eri Arfiya, at State House Entebbe. The meeting focused on strengthening Uganda-Japan ties and exploring new areas of cooperation.
While welcoming the Japanese delegation, President Museveni praised the strong friendship between Uganda and Japan, noting that the two countries enjoy a smooth and productive relationship.
“Our relationship with Japan is excellent, with no issues whatsoever,” President Museveni stated.
The President also took the opportunity to thank the Japanese government for its support in the development of critical infrastructure projects in Uganda, including the construction of the Nile Bridge in Jinja, the Kampala Flyover, and the Gulu–Atiak Road, all of which have played a vital role in enhancing Uganda’s infrastructure network.
“Japanese are our very good friends. They have helped us with important bilateral projects like the bridge over the Nile, the flyover, and the Gulu–Atiak road,” he noted.
President Museveni, however, encouraged Japan to shift focus from mainly giving aid to supporting private sector investment.
“Bilateral aid is good, but the bigger and better way is through the private sector. In the private sector, you create jobs, expand the economy, bring in foreign currency, and cover more ground,” he said.
The President also asked the Japanese government to support the development of regional infrastructure, especially railways and toll roads. He said this would help reduce the cost of doing business and improve trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA).
“Japan can play a big role in building railway lines from East Africa to Congo and Central Africa. This is how we can link markets and make the ACFTA a reality,” President Museveni explained.
Vice Minister Arfiya thanked President Museveni for the hospitality and praised Uganda for maintaining peace and offering shelter to refugees. She promised to support new investment and development projects between the two nations.
“Uganda has done an incredible job ensuring peace and stability for its people and the region. Japan will continue to support you,” she assured.
She also delivered an invitation to President Museveni to attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in August 2025. President Museveni confirmed Uganda will send a high-level delegation to the event.
