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Thank You for Volunteering!

JICA Uganda applauds eight (8) Volunteers who dedicated their time to work in local communities in Uganda in the fields of: Community Development, Agriculture and Health, together with Ugandan counterparts.

Unfortunately, the volunteers ended their service in their workplaces prematurely due to the pandemic, and held their final presentation online on 29 September 2020. The JOCV section and JICA Uganda at large thanks all members who attended the final presentation including the Ambassador of Japan H.E Kameda Kazuaki, representatives from Peace Corps, UNV, volunteers' recipient organizations and JICA headquarters.

The impact volunteers have made on many lives in communities is inexplicable. We also believe they will extend their experiences in Uganda to the people of Japan and be a bridge between the two countries.

The final online presentation held on 29 September 2020

MR. HATTORI TAKAMASA

Mr. Hattori worked with Sasakawa Global 2000 at Zirobwe Agaliawamu Agri-Business and Training Association (ZAABTA) in Luwero District since October 2018.

While at ZAABTA, he developed affordable sowing and weeding tools, established a new system management, which has reduced milling time tremendously and introduced a new pricing system. In addition, before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Hattori trained extension officers who are now monitoring and supervising the rice-growing farmers.

Mr. Mayambala Godfrey, the Centre's Manager ZAABTA and Hattori's Field Supervisor shared that he enabled ZAABTA to promote and popularise upland rice cultivation among the farmers and consumers.

"For the period we worked together, Hattori demonstrated hands on experience in rural innovations that range from upland cultivation, post-harvest handling up to marketing our ZAABU premium rice, a brand we developed and marketed together. He also left many technological innovations that are ready to be up scaled by our counter extension staff and farmers".

Farewell Message from Mr. Hattori

Thank you for being with me in the one and a half years. I was happy that and ZAABTA received me as an extension officer and the people of Zirobwe accepted me as a citizen and nicknamed me "Semakula" (a typical name of Baganda). They are indeed friendly and adorable. Together, we tackled many challenges in rice cultivation that had existed for a long time, which I will forever treasure. Even amidst challenges, I trust my mates at ZAABTA and the farmers will make it. I am so grateful to all the people of Zirobwe, wish you all success, and hope to see you again. Mwebale nyo bassebo ne banyabo. Mwelaba!

MR. FURUTO TAKAHIRO

Mr. Furuto has been working as a JICA Volunteer at Mayuge District Local Government since October 2018, where he supported the community in making tomato sauce, an income generating activity.

He also taught the farming communities of Bukabooli, Busakira and Kigandalo Sub-Counties modern rice cultivation techniques before ending his term prematurely due to the pandemic.

Furuto's Counter-Part Mr. Waiswa Emmanuel, commends him for his invaluable contribution, dedication, and hardwork to Mayuge DLG and particularly to the farming communities. "The knowledge shared and hands-on experience benefitted many small scale farmers in the most vulnerable rice farming communities".

Farewell message from Mr. Furuto

I had many challenges in Uganda since it was not easy for me to make tomato sauce and teach rice cultivation knowledge and skills as well, besides living a life in countryside. However, I overcame these challenges with the help of people in the community, farmers, officers in Mayuge and my neighbors who were very kind and friendly to me. I could not have achieved many things without their support. I appreciate their help. Uganda is my second home now, so I want to keep in touch and do something with them again.

Mwebale!

MR. OKAMURA SHUNICHI

Mr. Okamura Shunichi has been working with Kiboga District Production Office since October 2018, and supported the farmers by forming Lwamata Rice Association with the aim of buying a rice miller, and establishing small-scale demonstration sites where farmers get hands on experience.

Mr.Ssebulime Godfrey, Okamura's counterpart and District Production Officer for Kiboga appreciates his great support extended to the farmers in promoting upland rice production for food security and income generation. "The Production department will continue scaling out rice cultivation and ensure its sustainability in the district".

Farewell message from Mr. Okamura.

I appreciate everyone who warmly supported me. It was my honor to work with you in Uganda, especialy the times I visited the Kiboga district office. All staff were friendly. Thanks to them, I could make a good start for my assignment. Although I couldn't achieve my goals during my term, all experiences I got during my stay in Uganda are unforgettable. We saved our report, data and ideas to pass our work to volunteers who will come in, in future. Volunteers never stop supporting because they love the people of Uganda. Thank you so much. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again in the future.

MS. NARITA TOMONI

Ms. Narita Tomomi worked in Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) where she supported the implementation of 5S from October 2018 and also established a Quality (QI) improvement office and carried out a survey on hand wash compliance, which started in January 2020.

Supported by management staff and Counterpart Ms. Medal, Narita was able to improve the hospital's environment, which in turn improved service delivery, before she ended her activities midway due to the pandemic.

Farewell Message from Ms. Narita

Through the 5S training, I was able to make good relationships between the hospital and other facilities, which was very interesting. I often worried about cultural and language differences in my activities, but I am grateful that my counterparts accepted and always supported me. I am very sorry that I had to return to Japan during my term but I look forward to come back to Uganda.

Ms. Narita with Ms. Medal (Counterpart)

Ms. Narita with staff at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital