Message from the Chief Representative

Uganda is a landlocked country located in East Africa, bordering Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With a land area of approximately 241,000 square kilometers—roughly equivalent to Japan’s main island of Honshu—and a population of around 50 million, Uganda is characterized by rapid population growth and a remarkably young demographic structure. The country was once described by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill as the “Pearl of Africa,” and it continues to offer rich natural beauty and strong appeal as a tourist destination today. I myself visited Uganda on a business trip about ten years ago, and I still vividly remember being impressed by the lush greenery of Kampala and its relatively mild climate despite its location near the equator.

Uganda is also one of Africa’s leading refugee-hosting countries, accommodating nearly two million refugees, mainly from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Government of Uganda’s inclusive refugee policy—often referred to as the “Open Door Policy”—which allows refugees freedom of movement and the right to work, has been highly praised by the international community. In line with this policy, JICA places strong emphasis on assistance that benefits both refugees and host communities, and we work closely with relevant partners to implement our support. Drawing on my own experience working with refugees and host communities in the Middle East, I hope to further strengthen JICA’s cooperation in Uganda.

Uganda’s population growth rate is among the highest in the world, and more than half of the population is under the age of 15. While this youthful population represents great potential for future growth, it also poses challenges in terms of job creation and human resource development. Although the economy has recorded steady growth over the long term, poverty remains widespread, making inclusive growth and poverty reduction through economic development a key issue. Agriculture, the country’s main industry, continues to account for the majority of employment, while new growth sectors such as ICT, as well as oil and mineral resource development, have attracted increasing attention in recent years.

The JICA Uganda Office traces its origins back to the establishment of a Volunteer Coordinator Office in 2001 and was upgraded to a full-fledged office in 2006. The year 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the dispatch of the first Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers to Uganda. In line with Uganda’s National Development Plan, JICA currently focuses on four priority areas: (1) establishing the environment to attain economic growth, (2) establishing industries and upgrading industrial infrastructure, (3) improving accessibility to and the quality of social services, and (4) building peace and stability in East Africa. Long-term, people-centered cooperation—supported by the contributions of many Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers—has been one of the hallmarks of JICA’s engagement in Uganda.

These sustained efforts have been highly appreciated by our Ugandan counterparts. In December 2021, the Parliament of Uganda adopted a resolution recognizing JICA’s long-standing international cooperation—an unprecedented recognition in the history of the Ugandan Parliament. JICA’s approach, characterized by human resource development, mutual respect, emphasis on quality, and the philosophy of “teaching people how to fish rather than giving them fish,” as well as its cooperation without conditions or expectations of return, was particularly commended. We regard this as both a great honor and an expression of the trust placed in JICA, as well as the expectations for its continued cooperation.

Looking ahead, JICA will continue to stand by Uganda, steadily advancing cooperation in its priority areas while flexibly responding to emerging needs such as support for the ICT sector and entrepreneurship. Through these efforts, we remain committed to contributing to Uganda’s sustainable and inclusive development.

I sincerely hope that many people in Japan will take a strong interest in Uganda—a country rich in natural beauty, youthful energy, and immense growth potential. We kindly ask for your continued understanding and support for the activities of the JICA Uganda Office.