Minister Okello Oryem meets Japanese Ambassador forward of TICAD IX

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), Hon. Henry Okello

Oryem, today met with H.E. Sasayama Takuya, Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, at the Ministry

Headquarters in Kampala. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and

Uganda’s preparations for the upcoming 9th Tokyo International Conference on African

Development (TICAD IX), scheduled to take place from 20th to 22nd August 2025 in

Yokohama, Japan.

Ambassador Sasayama congratulated Hon. Oryem on his recent electoral victory in the NRM

primaries and reiterated Japan’s commitment to continued collaboration with Uganda. He

highlighted the importance of Uganda’s early preparations for TICAD IX and formally requested

the official delegation list, including the designation of representatives to participate in the

various sessions of the high-level forum.

The Ambassador also inquired about Uganda’s current position on the Lock II phase of the JICA

supported road construction project. In response, Hon. Oryem reaffirmed Uganda’s consistent

stance, emphasizing that the project remains a national priority. He noted that with oil

production expected to begin within two years, Uganda’s GDP is projected to rise significantly

in the next five years, accompanied by increased vehicle use and an improved standard of living.

The Minister stressed the need to proceed with the Lock II phase to meet future infrastructure

demands.

Additionally, Ambassador Sasayama extended an invitation to Hon. Oryem to visit the ongoing

Osaka Expo in Japan and to attend Japan’s National Day celebrations on 8th October 2025. He

also commended Uganda for its strong participation in the Green Expo, where Uganda ranked

among the top three countries, closely following China and Lesotho.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong and growing ties between Uganda and Japan, with both

parties committed to mutual development, strategic cooperation, and shared engagement

through platforms such as TICAD.