In May 1938, Ugaki became Foreign Minister under the 1st Konoe administration, simultaneously holding the portfolio of Minister of Colonial Affairs, but resigned after only 4 months.
Pada bulan Mei 1938, Ugaki menjadi Menteri Luar Negeri di bawah pemerintahan Konoe pertama, sekaligus memegang portofolio Menteri Urusan Kolonial, tetapi mengundurkan diri setelah hanya 4 bulan.