Joint Communique: Uganda and European Union hold first Partnership Dialogue

Hosted and co-chaired by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the meeting reaffirmed the shared interests and common concerns that underpin the EU-Uganda partnership, as the two partners mark 50 years of cooperation this year.

The EU delegation was led by the Ambassador of the European Union to Uganda, H.E Jan Sadek, who co-chaired the meeting. He was joined by the resident Ambassadors and Heads of Mission of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria, as well as non-resident representatives from Czechia and Spain.

The Ugandan side included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Ministers of Defence and Veteran Affairs; Justice and Constitutional Affairs; Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Trade, Industry and Cooperatives; Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; and Water and Environment. 

State House, Presidential Press Unit, 2026

The dialogue took place in an open, cordial and constructive atmosphere, on the basis of a jointly agreed agenda. High-level discussions covered trade, climate, and economic development, governance, rule of law and human rights, as well as global  and regional priorities, with the EU reiterating its commitment to remain a reliable and predictable partner for Uganda.

Both sides welcomed the continued growth of economic ties and recognised that the EU, as a bloc, remains Uganda’s largest trading partner outside Africa. They noted that total trade between Uganda and the EU has reached EUR 2.6 billion annually, with Ugandan exports to the EU amounting to EUR 1.8 billion and imports from the EU standing at around EUR 800 million, resulting in a trade surplus of approximately EUR 1 billion for Uganda.

The two sides underlined the importance of promoting greater value addition, competitiveness, quality standards and long-term investment, supported by a stable, transparent and predictable business environment. To unlock the considerable potential for further European investments both sides agreed on establishing a structural dialogue on fostering an enabling business environment.

They also agreed to continue discussions on securing Uganda’s continued favourable access to the EU market, including through consideration of a possible Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

The Dialogue reaffirmed that development cooperation remains an important pillar of the EU–Uganda partnership and continues to deliver tangible results for people in Uganda. A more streamlined approval process for development projects, under the leadership of Minister of Finance, was agreed upon. 

State House, Presidential Press Unit, 2026

Both sides noted the importance of continued cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including through the EU’s Global Gateway investment package in Uganda, which supports sustainable growth, job creation, private sector development, productive infrastructure, digital connectivity and access to energy for businesses.

The EU and Uganda also highlighted climate action as a core pillar of their partnership and an important driver of resilience, sustainable growth and investment. They welcomed ongoing cooperation on renewable energy, climate finance, sustainable forestry and biodiversity.

Both sides recognised the importance of continued cooperation in support of refugees and host communities. The EU commended Uganda’s progressive open-door refugee policy and inclusive approach, which have made it an important example regionally and internationally. Team Europe is currently contributing more than EUR 520 million to Uganda’s refugee response, supporting refugees and host communities through investments in water and sanitation, education, health, protection and stronger public service delivery.

The two sides discussed good governance and the rule of law, including ongoing EU-supported programmes in these areas

The EU further recognised Uganda’s crucial role in promoting regional peace and security, particularly through its long-standing involvement in stabilisation efforts in Somalia, which the EU has supported with almost EUR 2.8 billion since 2007. The EU encouraged Uganda to continue playing a stabilising and peace-promoting role in the region, including through diplomatic outreach, political engagement and constructive collaboration in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and South Sudan, where tensions remain high and aggravated by the humanitarian crisis and the Ebola outbreak notably in the DRC. In this context, the two sides agreed on the idea of holding a dedicated security dialogue.

The EU underlined that Uganda’s regional role is a major asset in the partnership and expressed its interest in exploring avenues for deeper practical cooperation in support of shared stability and prosperity in the Great Lakes region, notably in the area of regional economic integration. 

Lastly, the EU and Uganda discussed global and multilateral priorities, as well as peaceful resolution of conflicts in Africa, the Middle East and Ukraine. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to effective multilateralism, including reform of the multilateral system and more adequate representation, as well as to international climate diplomacy.

State House, Presidential Press Unit, 2026

The EU and the Government of Uganda agreed to hold the next Partnership Dialogue within twelve months.