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Japan to build rehabilitation, resettlement centres for retired UPDF soldiers
L-R. Ps Rossette Byengoma, Lt Col Bright Rwamirama, Prof Sao Liijima and CDF Gen David Muhoozi after signing the MoU at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Mbuya on Monday. URN PHOTO
What you need to know:
- The signing was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen David Muhoozi, Joint Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, and Commissioner in charge of Psycho-social Support, Resettlement and Rehabilitation in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Mr Mike Mabonga.
The Japanese government has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Defense and Veteran Affair’s Ministry for the construction of resettlement and rehabilitation centers for retired Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) soldiers. In addition to that the Japanese government is committed to build health facilities and solar manufacturing plant.
Professor Isao Iiijima, the Special Advisor to the Japanese Cabinet signed the MoU on behalf of the Japanese government while the Defence and Veteran Affairs State Minister, Lt Col Bright Rwamirama signed on behalf of Uganda.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Mbuya, Mr Rwamirama, expressed gratitude with the MoU.
“Japan’s involvement in the construction of a health facility, a rehabilitation and resettlement center for military veterans, solar manufacturing plant and the provision of agricultural inputs, among others, will improve the welfare of Ugandans,” Mr Rwamirama said.
The MoU is under the Japan African Development Corporation, which Mr Rwamirama, says would further boost the country’s investment in infrastructural projects for economic growth.
At the same event, Japan donated five ambulances, solar pumps and panels and five firefighting trucks to ease government operations and 100 modern ultra-sewing machines to support military veterans.
Mr Rwamirama promised that his ministry will put to good use the donated items purposely to improve the lives of military veterans, their spouses and children in recognition of their selfless efforts towards bringing peace and stability in Uganda.
In his speech, Professor Isao Iiijima said Japan would also donate 60 trucks in a period of one year, saying five trucks will be arriving in the country at least every month.
He revealed that the Japanese government has donated 100 sewing machines to women groups through the President’s office.
The Defence Ministry Permanent, Ms Rosette Byengoma, said Japan Africa Development Corporation has come at a time when the ministry is designing a strategy aimed at smoothening the transition of military veterans to civilian life.
“The solar panels and pumps from Eiki shoji Company, that await testing for the establishment of the solar plant and these 100 sewing machines to military veterans will settle and re-integrate them into civilian life,” Ms Byengoma said.
The signing was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen David Muhoozi, Joint Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, and Commissioner in charge of Psycho-social Support, Resettlement and Rehabilitation in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Mr Mike Mabonga.
