2026: 50 years of the EU and Uganda partnership

The European Union and Uganda this year commemorate 50 years of partnership, marking five decades of cooperation that has supported Uganda's transformation and strengthened ties between Europe and Uganda.

The partnership dates back to May 1976, with the opening of a European Delegation in Kampala, during a period of significant change for both Uganda and the European project. From its early beginnings, EU-Uganda cooperation has been anchored in dialogue, continuity, and a shared belief in long-term development built on mutual trust.

To reflect on the Golden Jubilee celebration, EU Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Jan Sadek addressed journalists at a press engagement hosted at the EU Residence in Kampala on February 19, 2026, where he noted that over the past five decades, the EU has provided more than EUR 5 billion in development support to Uganda, alongside a similar volume of European private investment.

European Union Delegation to Uganda

"Over five decades, our relationship has grown from development cooperation into a broad partnership spanning trade and investment, energy and climate action, education and health, humanitarian support and regional stability," said Ambassador Sadek.

The Government of Uganda was represented by Ambassador John Leonard Mugerwa, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who described the Uganda-EU relationship as one grounded in dialogue, mutual trust and measurable outcomes over the past half century.

Early cooperation between Uganda and the EU focused on rebuilding infrastructure, rural development, and expanding access to essential services, helping connect communities, strengthen local economies, and improve livelihoods across the country.

Today, the EU's support to Uganda increasingly prioritizes sustainable growth and employment, especially for young people. Ambassador Sadek noted that through climate action, renewable energy investments, and the EU-Uganda Forest Partnership, collaboration supports environmental protection while creating jobs and strengthening rural livelihoods.

"We are celebrating this anniversary throughout the year with events across the country, and we are collecting stories and images of the partnership for a coffee table book, an exhibition and social media features - because this is a story written together, with Ugandans, for Ugandans and Europeans alike," Ambassador Sadek said.