Museveni meets philanthropy giant Nippon Foundation officials, calls for expanded trade ties with Japan
President Museveni commended the Government of Japan for its long-standing partnership with Uganda, citing its support in building the Nile Bridge and in the road sector.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in a group photo with delegates from the Nippon Foundation at State House, Entebbe. (PPU photos)
By Admin .
Journalists @New Vision
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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has welcomed a delegation from the Nippon Foundation at State House, Entebbe.
The Nippon Foundation is Asia’s leading grantmaker, based in Japan and cooperating with stakeholders of all levels around the world to confront social challenges.
The team was on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, led by Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan Isao Iijima, and foundation chairperson Takeju Ogata. They are in Uganda to commemorate the launch of the Rehabilitation Centre for veterans in Mubende district.
The Nippon Foundation contributed $500,000 (about shillings 1.78 billion) towards the construction of the centre and the provision of equipment to support soldiers who lost their limbs in combat.
The team was on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, led by Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan Isao Iijima, and foundation chairperson Takeju Ogata.
Ogata said the Foundation has worked in Uganda for over 40 years, particularly in agriculture and social development, and pledged continued co-operation to strengthen Uganda’s resilience in the face of climate change and other challenges.
The Nippon Foundation, according to its website, was founded in 1962.
"Our work is rooted in the fundamental tenets of humanitarianism, and we partner with organisations around the world to accelerate social innovation, levelling the playing field for present and future generations. We provide long-term support for creative and impactful initiatives that tackle society’s most challenging issues."
The foundation is a part of a family of professional organisations that work in their respective areas of expertise both independently and in co-operation with it. These foundations work around the world for the betterment of humankind, in a diverse range of areas, including maritime safety, food security, health and regional networking.
Japan government commended
President Museveni commended the Government of Japan for its long-standing partnership with Uganda, citing its support in building the Nile Bridge and in the road sector.
He also praised Iijima for mobilising recent donations, including 2,000 sewing machines from Japanese companies, which were donated to veterans and women groups, as well as fire trucks, ambulances, physiotherapy equipment and prosthetic materials to benefit veterans and women’s groups.
The President further appealed to Japan to expand trade ties with Uganda.
“What we need most is for Japan to buy our products. We would like to trade with you, and we also wish that Japan removes taxes from our exports,” he said.
The Rehabilitation Center project is being implemented with support from the Government of Japan and the Nippon Foundation.