Makerere University held the 4th JICA Chair – JICA Program for Japanese Studies on September 17, 2024, under the theme "History and Current Trends in Japan’s International Cooperation in Africa." The event that took place at the School of Public Health Auditorium was officially opened by Associate Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, representing the Vice Chancellor.
During the event, university officials expressed readiness to host a Japanese campus under Makerere University, while Japanese representatives urged Uganda to approach foreign partnerships cautiously, advocating for deeper collaboration with Japan.
The ceremony featured cultural performances, panel discussions, and a keynote address from Professor Kato Hiroshi of the International University of Japan. The event was closed by Japan’s Ambassador to Uganda, Sasayama Takuya and attended by diplomats, university staff, and students.
Key panelists included Muhumuza Juvenile from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Hamis Mugendawala from the National Planning Authority, and Nsereko Simon Peter from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, who discussed strengthening Uganda-Japan cooperation. The event was organized by the Department of History, Archaeology, and Heritage Studies in collaboration with JICA Uganda.
VC Advocates for Establishing a Japanese Campus and Expanding JICA Collaboration
In his speech read by Prof. Nkabala, the Vice Chancellor pushed for the establishment of a Japanese campus on grounds to further strengthen its collaboration with JICA and Japan.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that Makerere University is fully committed to advancing its global partnerships, specifically with JICA, which has played a significant role in supporting the university’s development initiatives. "The university has unlocked its gates to all domestic and international partners who are in pursuit of common goals, positively impacting humanity. Our collaboration with JICA has already yielded meaningful transformations through research, innovation, and mutual understanding," Prof. Nkabala, reading the Vice Chancellor’s message.
The Vice Chancellor expressed interest in hosting a Japanese campus at Makerere, noting that it could operate as a branch of the International University of Japan. This initiative would provide students with internationally recognized skills and competencies in various professions. "We believe that collaborating with JICA and Japan to establish a campus or unit at Makerere would be a great opportunity to enhance the development of both our institutions. We have the requisite land and world-class scholars to support such an undertaking," she added.
The collaboration between Makerere and JICA has been beneficial across multiple fronts, from infrastructure development to academic resource sharing and joint research efforts. The Vice Chancellor reiterated the university’s appreciation for JICA’s role, citing examples such as scholarships awarded to Makerere students and valuable educational materials donated to the university’s library. "Our partnership with JICA has been extremely rewarding, and we are confident that this collaboration will continue to flourish, particularly in areas such as research, student scholarships, and staff training," Nkabala stated.
CHUSS Ready to Host Japanese Studies Institute to Strengthen Collaboration with JICA- Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala,
The Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Makerere called for the establishment of an Institute or Center for Japanese Studies at the university. During her remarks at the 4th JICA Chair program, held on September 17, 2024, she emphasized the need to further solidify the collaboration between Makerere University and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
"CHUSS is fully equipped to host an institute or center that would not only strengthen our academic ties but also foster mutual learning between Uganda and Japan," Prof. Nkabala remarked. She highlighted the long-standing partnership between the university and JICA, acknowledging the significant role the agency has played in promoting education, research, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Reflecting on the strong relationship between CHUSS and JICA, Prof. Nkabala expressed her gratitude for the collaboration, stating, "We have enjoyed a cordial relationship with the JICA office in Uganda, and we are committed to deepening this relationship. We have much to learn from Japan, just as they have much to learn from us."
Prof. Nkabala also underscored the strength and diversity of CHUSS, referring to it as "the soul of Makerere University." She highlighted the college's broad range of disciplines, from social sciences and gender studies to liberal arts and languages, making it an ideal host for a Japanese studies center. "We have the expertise and resources in this college to facilitate meaningful research and collaboration in Japanese studies," she added.
With JICA's extensive work in Uganda, Prof. Nkabala proposed the creation of a centralized hub at Makerere where both Ugandan and Japanese stakeholders could engage in research, documentation, and analysis of the impact of Japan's development initiatives in the country. "The college is ready to provide the space for a one-stop center where we can all study, collaborate, and reflect on the incredible work JICA is doing," she said.
The establishment of a Japanese Studies Institute at Makerere University would not only enhance academic collaboration but also deepen the understanding of Japan's contributions to Uganda's development. Prof. Nkabala's remarks highlighted the potential for this partnership to flourish further, creating lasting educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
JICA Highlights Japanese Development Cooperation at Makerere University
In his presentation,Inoue Yoichi, Chief Representative of the JICA Uganda Office, provided an in-depth overview of Japan’s development experience through Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Inoue began by extending his gratitude to Makerere University’s Vice-Chancellor for hosting the event. “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for this warm welcome,” he said. “I also want to thank Professor Kato for coming all the way from Japan to share his insights. This discussion is crucial for understanding meaningful development.”
Inoue also acknowledged the contributions of the panelists and the organizing committee. “Thank you to the panelists for fitting this important discussion into their busy schedules. Your presence is invaluable,” he said. “I also want to thank the organizing committee led by the Head of the Department of History, Archaeology, and Heritage Studies, and the Dean of Liberal and Performing Arts for their excellent arrangements.”
He provided an overview of JICA’s role, noting that Japan’s development cooperation is executed mainly through concessional loans, grant aid, and technical cooperation. “JICA’s mission is to implement the official development assistance of the Japanese government,” Inoue explained. “This includes our collaborative programs like the JICA Chair, which aims to share Japan’s modernization and development experiences with partner countries.”
Inoue highlighted Japan's transformation over the past 150 years. “Japan was once a traditional country but drastically changed after the Meiji Restoration,” he said. “We adopted Western practices and achieved significant social and economic growth while retaining our unique traditions.”
The JICA Chair program, launched in 2021, is part of this effort to share Japan’s development experiences. “This is the fourth time JICA is conducting this program with Makerere University,” Inoue said. “Previous programs focused on Japan's foreign policies, rice cultivation, and industrial transformation. This year, we are exploring Japan-Uganda cooperation and lessons from Japan’s international development efforts.”
Inoue also introduced the keynote speaker, Professor Kato Hiroshi, Vice President of the International University of Japan and a leading expert in international development. “Professor Kato has dedicated nearly 50 years to international development,” Inoue said. “His insights will be instrumental in understanding Japan’s cooperation with Africa and its implications for Uganda’s development.”
He concluded by expressing hope that the event would inspire meaningful conversations about the future of development. “I hope today’s lecture will provide valuable insights that you can take home and apply to your country’s development journey,” Inoue said.
The event underscored the enduring partnership between Japan and Uganda and highlighted the ongoing exchange of development knowledge and practices between the two nations.
Japan's Trustworthiness as a Development Partner Highlighted by Professor KATO Hiroshi
In a keynote address on Uganda-Japan cooperation, Professor KATO Hiroshi, Vice President of the International University of Japan and Dean of the Graduate School of International Relations, underscored Japan’s reliability as a partner in development while advising caution regarding foreign aid.
Professor KATO assured Ugandans of Japan's commitment to being a trustworthy partner. “Please consider Japan as a reliable partner among the various countries you work with, such as Europe, America, and China,” he stated. “Japan’s development assistance has unique characteristics that differentiate it from other donors.”
Professor KATO acknowledged the diverse sources of aid but emphasized Japan’s distinct approach. “I’m not suggesting that Japanese aid is superior to that of other countries. Instead, I want to highlight the differences and encourage you to understand and navigate these differences wisely,” he explained.
Drawing on Japan’s historical development journey, Professor KATO noted, “Japan has valuable experience as a latecomer to modernization and a diligent learner. This experience makes Japan a valuable partner for countries like Uganda. Just as students learn to grow and develop at university, countries too must learn from others to advance.”
He urged the audience to view Japan not only as a historical and cultural entity but also as a source of practical knowledge and experience. “While European and Chinese civilizations are significant, Japan’s experience as a latecomer offers a unique perspective. I encourage you to consider Japan when seeking knowledge and insights,” Professor KATO concluded.
This address underscored Japan's role as a committed partner in international development while advocating for a careful and informed approach to foreign aid.