The Government of Japan has pledged continued support to Uganda in managing the growing refugee population, reaffirming its commitment during a high-level meeting with Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja in Kampala
Eri Africa, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister’s office, commending Uganda for its enduring efforts in hosting refugees and promoting peace in the region.
“Japan recognises Uganda’s critical role in sheltering refugees, particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan,” said Eri Africa, who was accompanied by Japanese Ambassador to Uganda Takuya Sasayama and other senior officials. Uganda currently hosts over 1.8 million refugees, the highest number in Africa.
The leaders also held discussions on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Prime Minister Nabbanja thanked Japan for its longstanding support to Uganda’s development agenda and humanitarian efforts.
“We are grateful to the Government of Japan for its unwavering assistance to Uganda’s refugee response and national infrastructure projects,” Nabbanja said.
In recent years, Japan has scaled up its aid to Uganda, committing an additional $6.8 million towards humanitarian and development projects. Notable Japanese-funded initiatives include the construction of the Source of the Nile Bridge in Jinja, the Kampala Flyover at the Clock Tower, and the ongoing Karuma Bridge project.
Vice Minister Eri also lauded Uganda’s contribution to peace-building across Africa, emphasizing Japan’s interest in supporting regional stability through diplomatic and development cooperation.
This renewed commitment comes amid growing calls from humanitarian agencies for increased international support to Uganda’s refugee response, especially as conflicts in the Great Lakes region continue to fuel cross-border displacement.