Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, expressed appreciation for the outgoing Japanese ambassador to Uganda, Fukuzawa Hidemoto, for his significant contributions to Uganda’s development across various sectors. Ambassador Hidemoto commenced his tenure in October 2020 and is scheduled to depart in March.
Tayebwa highlighted the ambassador’s role in enhancing the education sector, particularly focusing on primary education by supporting 284 primary schools, providing scholarship opportunities, and sponsoring students annually through programs like the African Kommit Program. Additionally, Hidemoto facilitated increased funding for Uganda’s sectors such as education, research, infrastructure, and health, and brought Japanese experts to assist in highway and flyover designs.
Over six decades of bilateral relations between Kampala and Tokyo have seen substantial investments from Japan in Uganda. Last year, Hidemoto warned of a possible halt in Japanese funding to Uganda’s roads sector due to concerns over the maintenance of previously constructed roads.
Several legislators also acknowledged Hidemoto’s contributions in various regions and sectors. Nwoya Woman MP Judith Achan expressed gratitude for improvements in health centers, while Samuel Opio, Kole North County MP, cited the provision of solar power and laboratory equipment to a secondary school. Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Esther Anyakun, appreciated the support in disaster management and refugee community development.
Kira Municipality MP, Ibrahim Semujju, proposed that the government grant Ugandan citizenship to Hidemoto in recognition of his contributions, suggesting that his leadership could further benefit areas where Uganda lacks expertise.
