Kampala — THE Japanese government has pledged to continue supporting Uganda's efforts in different energy development sources and mineral exploration.

Japanese ambassador to Uganda K. Kato while meeting Energy Minister Daudi Migereko on December 21 said: "Japan will send a hydropower expert to assist the government of Uganda in preparing the Ayago Hydropower Project (500MW).

Since 1991 the government of Japan has given a total of $28.2m (Shs47.9 billion) towards Uganda's energy sector under the Economic Infrastructure Development component for power distribution.

Mr Migereko said Japan's effort in the development of the energy sector will go along way in the strengthening of Uganda's economy especially in supporting industries to create employment for the people.

"Development of Uganda's energy resources is the most critical thing for the country now. Without enough electricity supply it would be impossible to industrialise let alone modernise the country," Mr Migereko told his guest.

Over two years ago the country experienced an energy crisis, which saw power outrages, and many industries in effort to reduce the cost of doing business were forced to cut on their production capacities including hundreds of job.

Although the situation is still as bad several thermal power stations have been erected to complement the limited hydro power from Nalubaale dam on the River Nile in Jinja.

Mr Migereko reiterated the need to support the Energy Fund, which the government has created to provide funds, which can reduce delay in developing power projects.

Presently the two governments have signed an agreement $6.5m (Shs11 billion) for the construction of Rural Electrification projects in the districts of Masaka and Hoima and the government of Japan has agreed to participate in the implementation of the Bujagali Interconnector Project under a co-financing arrangement with the African Development Bank.

The Bujagali power project is expected to be ready by 2011. The government has estimated that its completion will help to reduce power outages and bring down tariffs to competitive levels.

The meeting also discussed other a possible support efforts in the extraction of phosphate fertilisers and the production of biofuels using the Jatropher plant and the refurbishment of the Nile bridge in Jinja and the infrastructure development in Northern Uganda.