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"I have been working in Africa for almost thirty years, and Uganda is one of the best countries in my African life. This is especially because of the humanity of the Ugandan people. Ugandans have a very strong will to support others, specifically those who have challenges. I am sure that this intention gives us a very strong follow-up wind for the achievement of the project purpose. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to those who supported my activities while in Uganda", said Dr. Nozaka in his farewell message.

Dr. Jiro Nozaka's service term as Chief Advisor for the Promotion of Rice Development (PRiDe) Project, Phase II has ended today. During his term that commenced on 1st April 2019, he has overseen expansion of the Musomesa Field School approach, a farmer-to-farmer extension approach, development of new rice varieties, capacity development and strengthening of self-reliance among counterparts, consequently contributing to the development of the rice industry in Uganda. Prior to his appointment as Chief Advisor, he served, for four years, as Agriculture Planning Advisor at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) during which time he contributed not only to Agriculture Policy and Strategy development but also formulation of JICA's Agriculture development cooperation initiatives such as the Atari Irrigation Development Projects.

Dr. Nozaka has been succeeded by Mr. Tatsuo Fujita, who brings with him vast knowledge and experience in implementing JICA's development cooperation projects in developing countries, most recently Cote d'Ivoire.