By Steven Candia

The Japanese government has given Uganda sh500m to boost education, deliver safe water and improve sanitation.

The beneficiaries of the grant are Kaliro and Kiboga districts, Family of Africa, an NGO, and Awere Secondary School in Gulu district.

“The grant will support projects that promote education, improve water and sanitation, and empower vulnerable youth,” the Japanese ambassador, Keiichi Kato, said on Tuesday during the signing ceremony at the embassy.

Under the grant, Kaliro district will receive about sh170m to improve primary education, while Kiboga will get about sh160m to boost access to safe water.

Family of Africa, which assists disadvantaged young women in Kampala, received sh90m for the construction of a dormitory block, while Awere Secondary School received sh113m for the construction of a dormitory.

Monsignor Charles Kasibante, speaking on behalf of the Family of Africa, said the funds would go a long way in improving the working and living conditions of the girls in the school.

Kato said the new government in Japan was to improve the quality of life.

The beneficiaries pledged to adhere to the terms of the grant.

Kaliro chief adminsitrative officer Peter Gahafu said two primary schools in his district, Busambeku and Kayuya, would benefit from the grant.

In Kiboga, the money will be used to erect four water kiosks that will serve about 5,000 residents.