Members of Parliament have commended outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, Fukuzawa Hidemoto, for his role in the socio-economic transformation of Uganda.

Hidemoto, together with his deputy, Tomotaka Yoshimura, attended plenary on Tuesday and quietly observed proceedings in the visitors’ gallery.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa paid tribute to the departing ambassador, saying he lobbied for increased funding to sectors such as education, infrastructure, health and energy.

“Now we have experts from Japan in highway and flyover designs who have been studying our country and helping us to come up with the most concrete designs for roads, and we know Japan is associated with quality,” said Tayebwa.

He said that during Hideomoto’s tour of duty, the Japanese government constructed schools, health centres and roads across Uganda.

Hidemoto is leaving after serving in Uganda since October 2020.

'Go with Uganda's blessing'

During Tuesday's parliamentary session, Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua said that the ambassador played a crucial role in ensuring that Uganda participated in the 2022 Olympics in Japan's capital Tokyo.

“He is part of the reason why Uganda participated in the 2022 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan and ended up putting up the most viable competition in our post-independence history."

Obua said Hidemoto coordinated Team Uganda and connected them to the pre-trial camp in two cities in Japan.

“Your duty has come to an end. Wherever you are going, please go with the blessing of the people of Uganda."

Esther Anyakun, the Minister of State for Relief and Disaster Preparedness, said that the outgoing ambassador’s support to refugee-hosting districts in Uganda has led to tremendous changes, especially in hospitals, roads and bridges.

“He has supported the department of disaster, whereby we have got a lot of donations, especially on food security, through the embassy. I want to be part of the members here paying tribute because my docket has benefited."

The Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Nakadama, also appreciated the ambassador for his work in Uganda and said the government provided a conducive environment for him to serve.

Bunya West MP Aggrey Henry Bagiire said Hidemoto has played a pivotal role in the Uganda’s economic development.

“The Jinja bridge that all of us are happy about, it was his effort. Right now, the bridge that has been planned in Karuma, it was also his effort,” he said.

Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda said that Hidemoto deserves to be offered and bestowed Ugandan citizenship for his contribution.

“We then leave it to him if he chooses to come back and settle in Uganda. And once he is a citizen, we can even ask him to provide leadership, especially in areas where he has helped."