Uganda, Japan eye deeper defence ties

Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka has called for the deployment of a Japanese military attaché to Uganda to strengthen defence cooperation and identify opportunities for the two countries to work together under the Japan’s Official Security Assistance framework.

“We are looking forward to having a Japanese military attaché here. As soon as he/she comes, we shall engage him/her and understand how we can benefit and work together under the Official Security Assistance arrangement,” Kiwanuka said.

The minister made the remarks on October 13, 2026, during a meeting with Japan’s Ambassador to Uganda, Takuya Sasayama, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Defence ministry headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence ties, Uganda’s peace and stabilisation efforts in the region and infrastructure development.

Kiwanuka commended Japan for its longstanding relations with Uganda and its support towards infrastructure projects, including the Kampala traffic management system, the Jinja Bridge and Kampala flyover developments.

He also highlighted the importance of military diplomacy in facilitating faster and more effective cooperation between the two countries.

The minister thanked Japan for supporting infrastructure development at the Defence Forces Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre in Mubende, which provides rehabilitation and vocational support to veterans and contributes to the welfare of former combatants and their families.

“It is very easy to forget a person whom you think is no longer as useful as before, but it is very important to thank them and appreciate what they have done,” Kiwanuka said, emphasising the need to recognise the sacrifices made by soldiers.

Sasayama also discussed Japan’s Official Security Assistance framework, which initially involves engagement with Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs in the security sector.

The discussions come as Uganda and Japan seek to deepen their longstanding bilateral relationship, with both sides expressing interest in expanding cooperation beyond existing development projects.

Sasayama said the two countries would mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027, coinciding with Uganda’s independence anniversary.

“Next year will mark our 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and (Ugana's) national independence. I am looking forward to working more closely together than before,” he said.

The meeting was attended by the Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, Edith Buturo; Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Samuel Okiding; and Masanobu Tonemitsu, the Japanese Ambassador’s first secretary.