By Buwule Joseph Mary
KOLOLO – Vice President Jessica Alupo has reaffirmed Uganda’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the European Union in areas that promote sustainable investment, technology transfer, and shared prosperity.
Alupo made the remarks while officiating at the 2026 Europe Day celebrations marking 50 years of partnership between European Union and Uganda since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976.
Over the past five decades, the European Union and its Member States, working collectively as Team Europe, have contributed more than €5 billion in development cooperation to Uganda.
According to the Vice President, the support has contributed significantly to improvements in infrastructure, energy, trade, education, and community resilience across the country.
She noted that the European Union has also remained a vital partner in addressing humanitarian needs, especially as Uganda continues to host the largest refugee population in Africa, reflecting the country’s enduring commitment to solidarity and regional stability.
“We appreciate the EU’s continued humanitarian assistance to refugees and host communities, as well as its support in strengthening our response to natural disasters and public health emergencies,” Alupo said.
The Vice President highlighted that cooperation between Uganda and the EU is increasingly being shaped by investment and economic opportunity, noting that under the Global Gateway strategy, tangible progress is already being realized.
“The €25 million initiative supporting cross-border infrastructure, including the Ntoroko lake port and the Mahagi corridor, is enhancing regional connectivity and trade,” she said.
In the energy sector, Alupo revealed that the €30 million rehabilitation of the Nalubaale–Kiira hydropower complex is strengthening Uganda’s energy capacity and supporting industrial growth.
Trade between Uganda and the European Union also continues to expand. In 2025, Uganda’s exports to the EU reached an estimated €1.5 billion, driven largely by agricultural products such as coffee, alongside the growing success of farmed fish exports to the European market.
Addressing the European Union Diplomatic Corps, Alupo emphasized that Uganda remains steadfast in its pursuit of middle-income status under Vision 2040.
“As our economy becomes more resilient, we are making progress toward graduation from the Least Developed Country category,” she said.
However, she cautioned that while this milestone reflects important national achievements, it also presents challenges related to trade preferences and market access.
“Continued engagement with the European Union during this transition will therefore remain important. Instruments such as the Everything But Arms initiative and the Generalized System of Preferences continue to provide valuable support for Uganda’s export competitiveness,” Alupo stated.
She added that the transition further reinforces the importance of industrialization, manufacturing, and value addition in building a more diversified economy capable of creating employment and expanding export opportunities.
“In this regard, the €1.4 billion investment roadmap presents a timely opportunity to advance mineral value addition, digital innovation, skills development, and private sector growth,” she added.
On behalf of the Government and people of Uganda, the Vice President expressed appreciation to the European Union and its Member States for five decades of friendship, partnership, and solidarity.
As part of the celebrations, she invited guests to join in a toast to the enduring friendship between Uganda and the European Union, the progress achieved together, and a future of even greater cooperation and shared prosperity.
Meanwhile, Jan Sadek, the Ambassador of the European Union to Uganda, 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,” Sadek said.
He pledged to scale up investment in Uganda’s infrastructure, trade, and job creation as the two partners marked 50 years of cooperation, promising continued support for Uganda’s transition to middle-income status through sustainable investment.
Sadek said the European Union remains strong and united in its values as a reliable and predictable partner.
“Our integration — political, economic, and social — is proof that nations can choose dialogue over dominance,” he said.
The celebrations were attended by Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, Youth Minister Balam Barugahara, among other dignitaries.