Europe Day 2026: Celebrating 50 years of the EU and Uganda partnership

Under European Union (EU) stars in the beautiful garden of EU Ambassador Jan Sadek's Residence, #EuropeDay 2026 was celebrated in style as Uganda and the EU marked 50 years of partnership.

European Union Delegation to Uganda/2026

The event was graced by more than 850 distinguished guests who turned up to celebrate a partnership that dates back to May 1976, with the opening of a European Delegation in Kampala.

European Union Delegation to Uganda

"In 1976, the European Community opened its delegation in Kampala. The European project itself was still young. Uganda was going through a difficult period in its history. Much has changed since then. Uganda has changed. Europe has changed. The world has changed. Europe has grown from nine to 27 member states. Uganda has become a central actor in East Africa, a voice on the
African continent, chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, and a country whose choices matter far beyond its borders," said Ambassador Sadek. "Through all these changes, one thing has endured: Europe and Uganda kept talking, kept engaging, and kept working together. Not that we have always agreed - we have not. But the partnership has remained alive and strong through continuity, dialogue and trust."

European Union Delegation to Uganda

Ambassador Jan Sadek highlighted the depth and impact of the #EUandUganda50 partnership over the past five decades. From infrastructure and education to clean energy, agriculture and trade, Ambassador Sadek said, the partnership continues to support inclusive growth and opportunity across Uganda.

The Europe Day reception was honoured by Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo as chief guest. In her remarks, the Vice President noted EU support has contributed to improvements in infrastructure, energy, trade, education and community resilience in Uganda over the last 50 years.

European Union Delegation to Uganda/2026

"Over the past five decades, the European Union and its Member States, working closely as #TeamEurope, have contributed more than € 5 billion in development cooperation to Uganda. This development has contributed to improvements in infrastructure, energy, trade, education, and community resilience across the country," she said.

The skies above Kololo lit up in spectacular colour as fireworks illuminated the night during the celebrations. The dazzling display symbolised five decades of friendship, cooperation and shared aspirations between Uganda and the EU.

European Union Delegation to Uganda

Team Europe Ambassadors in Uganda took guests and the host by surprise after they serenaded the EU with a heartfelt Happy Birthday song! "The best colleagues an EU Ambassador could ask for," noted Ambassador Sadek. "This is what #TeamEurope looks like."

European Union Delegation to Uganda,2026

Ugandan music sensation Azawi brought the #EuropeDay celebrations to life with an electric performance that got guests dancing late into the evening.

European Union Delegation to Uganda

European Union Delegation to Uganda, 2026

From diplomacy to culture and music, the celebration captured the vibrancy of the #EUandUganda partnership.

Ambassador Sadek thanked all the generous sponsors that joined the EU to celebrate Europe Day 2026, from main sponsors; Britam, Stanbic Bank Uganda and I&M Bank, to partners; Cams and Grips, Nile Breweries, Kakira Spirits, Lavazza, Equator Chocolate, Ruby Hospital, Brussels Airlines, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, the European Investment Bank, and ECHO.

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European Union Delegation to Uganda

European Union Delegation to Uganda

European Union Delegation to Uganda, 2026

European Union Delegation to Uganda, 2026

European Union Delegation to Uganda

European Union Delegation to Uganda

European Union Delegation to Uganda, 2026