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The Ambassador of Japan to Uganda H.E Fukuzawa Hidemoto, in the company of JICA officials and representatives from the Embassy of Japan visited the Regional Rice Research and Training Centre (RRRTC), National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) in Namulonge, to observe Promotion of Rice Development (PRiDE) Phase II Project activities and acquaint himself with its contribution to Uganda's Agriculture sector.

Mr. Ssengendo Charles who represented the Director, NaCRRI welcomed H.E the Ambassador and applauded the Government of Japan for its development cooperation in the Agriculture Sector. Dr. Jiro Nozaka, the PRiDe II Chief Advisor, chronicled JICA's development cooperation in Uganda's rice sub-sector, highlighting past and present interventions in rice research, extension, technology development and seed multiplication, for increased rice production and productivity.

A conversation that ensued between the Ambassador and Mr. Taban Peter Maaji, a rice farmer and trainee from one of the refugee host communities in Adjumani district revealed how the Project has benefitted individual farmers.

"Rice was only prepared on special days in homes but it is now a normal staple meal for locals. Through rice growing, I have been able to build myself a house and buy a motorcycle, among other benefits. A number of people from my community have benefitted in several ways as well," Maaji, shared excitedly, as he placed the rice seeds into the wet ground.

Mr. Ssengendo Charles who represented the Director, NaCCRI welcoming the team to the center

Mr. Ssengendo Charles making remarks on behalf of the Director, NaCCRI

Dr. Jiro Nozaka taking the ambassador and rest of the team through the project. They also viewed documentary of the first phase of the project.

Mr. Yoshino (Blue T-shirt) in charge of Rice cultivation explains rice cultivation experiments at the screen house.

Some of the rice species and experiments at the screen house.

Mr. Yoshino explains monthly planting and seed production at the upland field (old site).

Mr. Yoshino explains monthly planting and seed production at the upland field (old site).

Observation of TOT (Training of Trainers) at the upland field.

The Ambassador (Right) and Taban Peter Maaji, a rice grower and trainee from one of the refugee host communities in Adjumani district.

Taban Peter Maaji, a rice grower from Adjumani demonstrating how planting is done.

The Ambassador participating in rice planting.

Mr. Kojima explaining field activities at the new site (Lowland field).

The team; The ambassador of Japan to Uganda H.E Fukuzawa Hidemoto, officials from JICA, PRiDE, NaCCRI and the Embassy of Japan.