Uganda has called for a new phase of its 50-year partnership with the European Union to focus more strongly on climate finance, value-added trade, education, innovation and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking as Uganda and the EU commemorate five decades of partnership, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, said the relationship has played an important role in Uganda’s development journey but must continue evolving to reflect the country’s changing priorities.
“For 50 years, the Uganda-European Union partnership has been part of Uganda’s development story,” Kasolo said.
He said the next chapter of cooperation should provide Uganda with greater access to climate finance while supporting trade that rewards quality and value addition.
Kasolo also highlighted education, innovation and stronger Uganda–Europe cooperation in multilateral affairs as areas that should receive greater attention as the partnership enters its next 50 years.
From development cooperation to economic partnership
The minister’s remarks point to a broader shift in the relationship from traditional development cooperation towards trade, investment, skills, innovation and sustainable growth.
For Uganda, the emphasis on value addition is particularly significant as the country seeks to increase the value earned from its agricultural and mineral exports by expanding processing and manufacturing.
The government has also increasingly positioned climate finance as an important source of capital for projects supporting climate resilience, clean energy and sustainable economic development.
Focus on skills and innovation
Kasolo’s call for stronger cooperation on education and innovation also comes as Uganda seeks to build the skills and technological capacity required to support industrialisation and economic transformation.
Greater cooperation with European institutions could provide opportunities for research, skills development, technology transfer and investment in new industries.
The minister also called for stronger cooperation in multilateral affairs, signalling Uganda’s interest in using its relationship with European partners to advance shared interests in international institutions.
Looking towards the next 50 years
Uganda and the European Union are marking the 50th anniversary of their partnership under the theme “EU–Uganda@50: Together, Tukola — Built by Uganda, Backed by the European Union.”
The anniversary comes as both sides look to deepen cooperation beyond development assistance towards areas that can generate investment, employment, trade and sustainable economic growth.
For Uganda, the priorities outlined by Kasolo place climate finance, value addition, education, innovation and investment at the centre of the next phase of the relationship.
The partnership, he said, should build on five decades of shared experience while responding to Uganda’s emerging economic and development priorities.
