The governments of Japan and Uganda on Friday April 29 signed a memorandum of understanding to improve roads in Gulu Municipal council in Northern Uganda.
The function that took place at Ministry of Finance was attended by delegates from Japan led by His Excellency Mr. Junzo Fujita the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, Mr. Kyosuke Kawazumi the JICA Chief Representative and a number of Ugandan Ministers and permanent Secretaries.
Speaking on behalf of Uganda, Hon. Matia Kasaija the Minister of Finance, Planning And Economic Development thanked the Japan government for the cooperation between the two states in a number of projects accomplished over the past years.
Hon. Kasaija in particular thanked the Japan government for the grant they gave to Uganda worth Japanese Yen 2,163 Million (equivalent to USD 20m) saying that it will contribute to smooth and safe traffic flow and improve the living environment for the residents of Gulu Municipality.
“With this grant the Government of Uganda will pave 6.373 km of Gulu Municipal roads including management of utilities along the streets like drainage and traffic safety facilities in Gulu Municipality,” the minister said.
He assured the government of Japan that Uganda will fulfill her obligations under the Agreement and that the Grant will be exclusively utilized for the project and the purchases under which it was attained.
“We will furnish the Government of Japan with information and data concerning the progress of the implementation of the projects; through regular consultation with your Government during project implementation period,” Kasaija added.
He asked the Minister of Works and transport to ensure that all Government obligations are met before commencement of construction.