Uganda-Japan partnership bears fruits in Mukono, Kiboga

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The water borehole funded by a partnership involving Ugandans based in Japan has been commissioned in Mukono district.

The facility, drilled in Lugala village, is now supplying clean and safer water to the members of this community and a nearby primary school.

It will also protect the residents from waterborne diseases and by extension lower medical costs associated with water contamination.

Ashuri Umezahi, a 15 year old student at Yanagawa High School in Japan donated exercise books, pens and pencils to students Bukomera Skills Secondary School in Kiboga District. (Photo by John Odyek)

Keiko Yoshida, a retired university music teacher in Japan, contributed the most part of the sh25 million used to drill the borehole, after she was approached by the Fukuoka-Uganda Friendship Association (FUUFA) for sponsorship.

Fittingly, Yoshida — alongside FUUFA officials — had the honour of commissioning the facility last Friday.

"I hope the community will feel happy and stay healthy," she said, reflecting on her motivation for supporting the project.

This borehole is part of an ongoing initiative that has already benefitted several districts, including Kassanda, Gulu, Mubende, Wakiso, and Fort Portal. 

FUUFA chairman Livingstone Kyeyune underlined the role of Japan-based Ugandans in fostering international ties and supporting communities back home.

Keiko Yoshida, a retired university music teacher from Japan cuts a ribbon to commission a school library in Bukomera Skills Secondary School in Kiboga District. (Photo by John Odyek)

"We are not only providing essential resources like water, but we are also promoting tourism and cultural exchange between Japan and Uganda," he said.

Kyeyune added that FUUFA, through fundraising and donations from Japanese friends, continues to support projects that benefit communities, particularly in addressing water scarcity. 

“Through our association, we raise funds to tackle pressing challenges like access to clean water."

To ensure sustainability, each community that has received a borehole has established a local management committee, led by the LC1 chairman, to oversee maintenance.

“We are deeply thankful to the Japanese community and Ugandans in Japan for bringing us clean water," said Peter Nsamba, the village chairman of Lugala.

"This support means so much to us, especially as we face various challenges here.”

In addition to the water project, Yoshida funded the construction of a sh30 million library block at Bukomero Skills Secondary School in Kiboga district, which was inaugurated last Friday.

The school, which teaches practical vocational and sports skills, has been under construction with support from Japan.

Livingstone Kyeyune, the chairman of Fukuoka-Uganda Friendship Association (FUUFA) hands over a trophy to the junior team that won a competition at Bukomera Skills Secondary School in Kiboga District. (Photo by John Odyek)

During the unveiling of the library, 15-year-old Ashuri Umezahi, a student from Japan's Yanagawa High School, donated school supplies and shared insights into the Japanese education system.

Umezahi's presentation included details on school life in Japan, such as students travelling by bicycle, train, or bus, and participating in extracurricular activities like sports, drama, and dance.

“We are grateful for the support given to the school, which will benefit both the youth and the wider community,” said Charles Kibirige, LC1 chairman of Bukomero A village, where the school is located.

FUUFA donated a football and trophy for a competition held by the Lugala Football Academy, where 48 orphans aged four to 15 receive sponsorship to continue their education. 

Godfrey Seruyange, the coach of the academy, praised the support, saying it allows the children to thrive both academically and in sports.

Kyeyune announced plans for a student exchange programme which will see 10 students from Uganda travel to Japan for academic and cultural exposure. 

The programme is being coordinated by Dr. Patrick Kyamanywa, the Vice-Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University.

Members of Fukuoka-Uganda Friendship Association (FUUFA) donate a football to the Lugala Football Academy based in Mukono District. (Photo by John Odyek)

Kyeyune also revealed a twinning arrangement between Bukomero Skills Secondary School and Fukuoka Prefecture.

“The support we receive through the Uganda Diaspora Japan helps us contribute to Uganda’s national development goals,” he said.

“It boosts Uganda’s tourism industry by bringing Japanese tourists who contribute to the local economy.”