Sh1.82b Japan grant to boost Uganda’s disaster prevention systems

The government of Japan says it is boosting Uganda’s disaster resilience with a grant of 1.82 billion shillings. The donation is expected to equip 13 districts and two cities with emergency vehicles. 

According to a statement from the Embassy of Japan in Uganda issued on September 19, 2025, the funding, facilitated through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Recycle Projects (GGP), will deliver six second-hand ambulances and seven fire trucks to regions grappling with emergency response gaps.

 The vehicles will be distributed to Kampala and Lira cities, alongside the districts of Kapchorwa, Iganga, Tororo, Wakiso, Luuka, Rakai, Mpigi, Rwampara, Gomba, Bundibugyo, and Luwero.

The move is a step towards addressing Uganda’s capacity to tackle health emergencies and fire-related crises.

Over 290 projects nationwide

The GGP scheme, launched in 1999, has, according to the statement issued by Martha Nabakusa, supported 293 community projects nationwide. 

The signing ceremony

The grant contract is expected to be formalised at the Embassy of Japan in Uganda on Friday, September 26, 2025, between Ambassador Sasayama Takuya and Uganda's health ministry permanent secretary Dr Diana Atwine.

Timely donation

With climate-driven disasters and urbanisation intensifying risks, the infusion of emergency resources addresses a pressing gap. The recycled vehicles repurposed from Japan ensure cost-effective, immediate impact.

The project underscores Japan’s long-term partnership with Uganda, prioritising community-driven solutions. As disasters grow more frequent, such investments are vital to safeguarding lives and infrastructure.

Commitment to supporting Uganda

The Government of Japan last month reiterated its commitment to supporting Uganda’s efforts to overcome infrastructural challenges and improve the welfare of its people by expanding its development footprint in Uganda by undertaking more projects across key sectors.

The announcement came during a visit on August 8, 2025, by Takuya to several ongoing Japan-supported projects, including the Mechanical Engineering Training and Advisory Centre (METRAC) in Luwero district, where construction trainers are equipped with Japanese Komatsu machinery, and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), where Japan, through JICA, constructed the shillings 63 billion Traffic Control Centre (TCC).

He also visited the UJ-Connect programme under Uganda’s Ministry of ICT, which enhances skills among young innovators and provides platforms for project presentations and competitions.