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Minister Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, Permanent Secretary Rosette Byengoma, Chairperson of the Nippon Foundation Takeju Ogata, and colleagues in a photo moment.
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The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, has launched a Japan-funded project to rehabilitate and empower war-affected veterans and injured servicemen and women with psychosocial and vocational skills at the Defence Forces Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre in Mubende.
The USD 478,577 initiative, financed by the Nippon Foundation, falls under the programme “Consolidating Physical and Psychosocial Services at Mubende Rehabilitation Centre and Establishing a Veterans Skilling Centre in Kakiri.” It aims to strengthen medical rehabilitation, counselling, vocational training, and community reintegration for injured servicemen, veterans, and their families.
Minister Oboth Oboth permanent secretary Rosette Byengoma handing in gifts to the Mr Isao Lijima
Hon. Oboth hailed the Government of Japan and the Nippon Foundation for their generosity, describing the project as a milestone in safeguarding the welfare and dignity of those who sacrificed for Uganda’s peace. He reflected on Uganda’s turbulent past and emphasised that while the country is now recognised as a continental peacekeeper, many soldiers still live with the visible and invisible scars of war. “This project is a blueprint for inclusive development, a model for civil-military synergy, and a testament to Uganda’s enduring commitment to peace, dignity, and transformation,” he said.
Some of the equipments donated by the Nippon foundation at the DFRVC
The Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Takuya Sasayama, praised the UPDF for its service to Uganda and the wider region, noting that Japan’s support was rooted in the long-standing cooperation between the UPDF and the Japan Self-Defence Forces through United Nations peacekeeping missions. “Security is not only about military strength, but also about how we care for those who have borne the burden of defending our nations,” he noted, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to future collaboration with Uganda.
The Defence Permanent Secretary, Mrs Rosette Byengoma, welcomed the project as timely and vital, stressing that rehabilitation goes beyond restoring physical health to rebuilding confidence, resilience, and dignity. Mr Takeju Ogata, Chairperson of the Nippon Foundation, expressed optimism that the support would significantly improve the lives of injured soldiers and veterans, describing it as a symbol of Uganda–Japan friendship.
The Defence permanent secretary Mrs Rosette Byengoma giving her remarks
Brig Gen Moses Kwikiriza, Commandant of the Mubende Rehabilitation Centre, said the project would modernise rehabilitation programmes and expand vocational training, further strengthening efforts to reintegrate veterans into society. He commended the support of the UPDF leadership, Japanese partners, and healthcare professionals, noting their dedication to restoring dignity and livelihoods for injured personnel.
The Commandant DFRVC Brig. Gen. Moses Kwikiriza giving his remarks
The launch was attended by senior UPDF officers, Ministry of Defence officials, Japanese representatives, local government leaders, and veteran associations.
Established in 1986, the Mubende Rehabilitation Centre (formerly the Chieftaincy of Mubende Rehabilitation Centre) provides prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, mental health support, and vocational training to soldiers disabled in war, with the mission of preparing them for redeployment or civilian employment.
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