The European Union has officially launched celebrations to mark 50 years of diplomatic presence and partnership in Uganda, highlighting over €5 billion in development cooperation and a rapidly expanding trade relationship between the two sides.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kampala on Thursday, EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek described the milestone as “not about a number, but about people and results,” underscoring five decades of cooperation since the EU Delegation opened in Uganda in 1976.
“Partnerships matter – especially long-term ones,” Sadek said, noting that the relationship has endured political and economic shifts both in Uganda and across Europe.
Amb. John L. Mugerwa, Head of the International Legal and Social Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, represented the Government of Uganda at the engagement.
He was accompanied by Ms Margaret Kafeero, Head of Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda.
The European Union has officially launched celebrations to mark 50 years of diplomatic presence and partnership in Uganda, highlighting over €5 billion in development cooperation and a rapidly expanding trade relationship between the two sides.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kampala on Thursday, EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek described the milestone as “not about a number, but about people and results,” underscoring five decades of cooperation since the EU Delegation opened in Uganda in 1976.
“Partnerships matter – especially long-term ones,” Sadek said, noting that the relationship has endured political and economic shifts both in Uganda and across Europe.
Amb. John L. Mugerwa, Head of the International Legal and Social Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, represented the Government of Uganda at the engagement.
He was accompanied by Ms Margaret Kafeero, Head of Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda.
Amb. John L. Mugerwa (L), Head of the International Legal and Social Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, with Ms Karolina Hedström, Head of Cooperation at the EU in Uganda
€10 Billion Combined Investment
Over the past half-century, the EU has invested more than €5 billion in development cooperation across Uganda. In addition, European private sector investment is estimated at another €5 billion, reflecting growing confidence in Uganda’s economy.
The ambassador said the combination of public development financing and private enterprise has supported infrastructure, health, education, governance, and refugee-hosting communities, while strengthening job creation and economic resilience.
In Northern Uganda, the EU played a key role in post-conflict recovery through initiatives such as the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda, supporting reconstruction, livelihoods, and local governance systems.
Major Infrastructure and Energy Projects
The EU’s footprint is visible in major infrastructure projects, including the Kampala Northern Bypass and key road corridors such as Mbarara–Katuna and Atiak–Laropi.
Under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, cooperation is now focused on sustainable infrastructure and green growth. A flagship project is the rehabilitation of the Nalubaale–Kiira hydropower complex, backed by a €30 million EU grant aimed at unlocking further financing from the European Investment Bank and partners. Phase one is expected to begin in 2026.
EU Deputy Head of Mission Ambassador Guillaume Chartrain (C) takes nots as Ambassasor Jadek speaks
Sadek emphasized that Global Gateway investments are designed for “long-term impact” rather than short-term visibility.
Trade Nearly Triples Since 2019
Trade between Uganda and the EU has expanded significantly in recent years. Uganda benefits from duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market under the Everything But Arms initiative.
According to figures shared at the briefing, Ugandan exports to the EU have nearly tripled since 2019 — rising from approximately €500 million to €1.5 billion. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, exports grew by 58%, with Uganda maintaining a positive trade balance with the EU since 2022.
Coffee remains a flagship export to Europe, with EU-backed initiatives supporting quality improvement, certification, traceability, and climate resilience. Ambassador Sadek said the focus is increasingly on value addition and higher incomes for farmers.
He also welcomed the recent authorization allowing exports of Ugandan farmed finfish and related products to the EU market, calling it a sign of confidence in Uganda’s standards and regulatory systems.
Education, Governance and Inclusion
Beyond trade and infrastructure, the EU continues to invest in education and youth opportunities through Erasmus+ scholarships and academic exchanges. A European Union–Uganda Study Fair is scheduled for June 4 at Makerere University to connect students with European institutions and scholarship opportunities.
The EU also reaffirmed its support for governance reforms, civil society, gender equality initiatives, and social inclusion programmes, including efforts to create safer learning environments and combat gender-based violence.
Nationwide Celebrations Planned
The 50-year celebrations will extend beyond Kampala, with events planned around Europe Day in May and participation in major national expos. Ambassador Sadek also announced plans to take part in the Virunga Gorilla Marathon in Kisoro as part of efforts to link tourism, climate action, and community engagement.
The EU Delegation is also compiling stories, images, and archival materials for a commemorative coffee table book and exhibition documenting five decades of partnership.
“We are proud of what has been achieved – and even more energised by what is possible next,” Sadek said. “The next chapter will be written together.”
The golden jubilee comes as Uganda continues to play an increasingly prominent regional and global role, including chairing the Non-Aligned Movement, reinforcing the strategic importance of EU–Uganda relations moving forward.
