The European Union has launched celebrations marking 50 years of diplomatic presence and partnership with Uganda, highlighting decades of cooperation in development, trade, and people-focused initiatives.

EU Ambassador Jan Sadek described the milestone as more than an anniversary, calling it “a celebration of people and results” built on continuity, dialogue, and trust since the EU Delegation opened in Kampala in 1976. “Fifty years is a long time, and what we are celebrating is simple but powerful — a partnership that has lasted, adapted, and delivered,” he said.

Over the past five decades, the EU has invested more than €5 billion (about Shs23.5 trillion) in development projects in Uganda, alongside an estimated €5 billion in European private sector investments in trade, infrastructure, and industry. These initiatives have supported schools, hospitals, roads, energy projects, and refugee-hosting districts.

The partnership has been particularly visible in Northern Uganda, where EU-backed recovery programs helped rebuild livelihoods and governance structures following years of conflict. Major infrastructure projects, including road connectivity and energy development, remain a priority. A flagship initiative is the planned rehabilitation of the Nalubaale–Kiira hydropower complex, supported by a €30 million EU grant expected to leverage additional European financing.

Climate and sustainability are central to the partnership. Through initiatives such as the EU–Uganda Forest Partnership, the bloc promotes climate resilience, landscape restoration, and sustainable value chains to create green jobs and protect the environment.

Trade continues to be a key pillar. Uganda benefits from duty-free, quota-free access to EU markets under the Everything But Arms initiative, with exports growing from around €500 million in 2019 to €1.5 billion in recent years, led by coffee. EU support has improved certification, traceability, and quality, boosting farmer incomes and value addition. Recently, Uganda received approval to export farmed fish to the EU, reflecting confidence in its standards.

People-centered programs also thrive. Erasmus+ and other academic partnerships provide Ugandan students with opportunities to study in Europe. Later this year, a major EU–Uganda Study Fair at Makerere University will connect youth with scholarships and European universities. Gender inclusion, safe learning, and governance initiatives, including civil society and human rights programs, remain a key focus.

Representing the Government of Uganda, Ambassador John Leonard Mugerwa praised the EU’s support and emphasized the potential to deepen trade, investment, and private sector collaboration as Uganda advances toward middle-income status.

The anniversary celebrations will feature Europe Day in May, participation in tourism and energy expos, regional engagements, and a commemorative coffee table book documenting the partnership’s legacy.

“The best partnerships don’t just celebrate history — they use history as fuel. Fifty years on, the partnership is strong, and the next chapter will be written together,” Sadek said.