This year, the European Union and the Republic of Uganda mark a significant milestone: 50 years of European Union presence and partnership in Uganda.
Over five decades, this relationship has grown in depth, scale and ambition, accompanying Uganda through profound transformation while the European Union itself evolved from a nine-member economic community into a political and economic union of 27 Member States.
Cooperation between Europe and Uganda took shape in the mid-1970s with the opening of a European Delegation in Kampala in 1976, at a time when both Uganda and the European project were navigating complex transitions.
From the outset, the partnership was grounded in a shared conviction that dialogue and cooperation should endure even in challenging contexts, and that long-term development is built through continuity and trust.
Over fifty years, the European Union has provided close to EUR 5 billion in development funding to Uganda, complemented by a similar volume of European private investment.
Early cooperation focused on rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening rural development and expanding access to basic services. Roads, schools and health facilities supported by the EU over decades have helped connect communities, improve access to opportunities and support local economies.
As Uganda has evolved, so too has the EU–Uganda partnership. What began as development cooperation has matured into a broader relationship grounded in
shared economic opportunity, regional stability and joint responsibility for global
challenges.
The EU has been a steady partner in Uganda’s transition from conflict to recovery, particularly in Northern Uganda, where support helped restore livelihoods, strengthen local governance and reconnect communities to national development
through programmes such as the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda.
Today, cooperation increasingly focuses on job creation, sustainable growth, climate
action and social inclusion. Through the EU–Uganda Forest Partnership and
investments in renewable energy, collaboration supports environmental protection
while creating employment and strengthening rural livelihoods.
Under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, this engagement is being scaled up to mobilise sustainable investment in energy, transport and digital connectivity in support of Uganda’s long-term development ambitions.
Economic and trade relations have become defining pillars of the partnership. Since
2019, tariff-free Ugandan exports to the EU have almost tripled from EUR 500 million
to approximately EUR 1.4 billion.
Uganda has registered a positive trade balance with the EU since 2022, demonstrating the competitiveness of its producers. The Uganda–EU Business Fora – four editions held since 2020 – have strengthened commercial ties and investment flows, and a fifth forum is planned later this year to deepen business cooperation and job creation.
Few products illustrate this transformation better than coffee, long at the heart of Uganda’s economy. EU-supported initiatives in quality improvement, certification and
traceability are helping Ugandan coffee access higher-value markets, increasing
incomes for farmers and creating jobs along the value chain.
At the heart of the partnership lies a shared investment in people. Through education
cooperation and programmes such as Erasmus+, thousands of Ugandans have
benefited from training and academic exchanges with European institutions.
EU support has also strengthened access to essential health services, while promoting
gender equality, girls’ education and the fight against gender-based violence.
In early June, the EU will host a European Study Fair in Kampala to further expand
opportunities for young Ugandans to pursue higher education in Europe.
The European Union also continues to support governance reforms, civil society organisations and human rights initiatives, reflecting a shared understanding that sustainable development depends on accountable institutions, the rule of law and inclusive participation.
Peace and security cooperation remains equally important. Uganda’s contributions to
regional stability, including through peace support operations and hosting refugees
from across the region, are widely recognised.
Uganda’s current chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement reflects its growing diplomatic role and commitment to multilateral cooperation. Throughout shifting geopolitical landscapes, the European Union has remained a predictable and reliable partner, supporting stability, humanitarian response and development for both refugees and host communities.
As we look ahead, partnerships based on trust, mutual respect and long-term
commitment matter more than ever. Fifty years on, the European Union remains a
reliable and forward-looking partner for Uganda – and the next chapter of this shared
journey will be written together.
The author is the European Union Head of Delegation
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