Photo exhibition celebrates EU-Uganda partnership through the lives of ordinary Ugandans
The European Union (EU) Delegation to Uganda and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched a special photo exhibition on September 24, 2026 at the Ministry’s offices in Kampala, celebrating 50 years of EU-Uganda partnership featuring the stories of 12 Ugandan icons whose lives and work reflect the breadth and depth of this longstanding partnership.
Titled “Together, Tukola, Built By Uganda, Backed by the European Union”, the exhibition brings the partnership to life through the experiences of an electric boda boda driver in Kampala, a celebrated Ugandan film star, a midwife from Lamwo, a human rights defender from Adjumani, a coffee farmer from Nakaseke, a refugee teacher from Yumbe, a young female engineer who helped build the Kampala Northern Bypass, a fisherman on the shores of Lake Victoria and a farmer from Karamoja sub-region.
European Union Delegation to Uganda
Across renewable energy, education, health, gender equality, the creative economy, human rights, environment conservation, agriculture, infrastructure and private sector development, their stories offer a human face to the five decades of cooperation between Uganda and the European Union.
Over the years, the EU-Uganda cooperation has evolved to support Uganda’s changing priorities. Early efforts focused on rebuilding infrastructure, supporting rural development and expanding access to essential services. Today, the partnership places growing emphasis on sustainable development, climate action, decent employment, innovation and opportunities for young people.
European Union Delegation to Uganda
“For 50 years, the Uganda-European Union partnership has been part of Uganda’s development story. From rebuilding infrastructure and expanding essential services to supporting education, livelihoods, innovation and sustainable growth, this cooperation has touched the lives of many Ugandans across generations,” said Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hon. Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo.
European Union Delegation to Uganda
“A partnership is ultimately measured not only in years, but in lives changed,” said EU Ambassador to Uganda H.E Jan Sadek. “These twelve stories remind us that behind every programme, investment or policy, there are Ugandans whose determination, talent and enterprise are helping shape the country’s future.”
European Union Delegation to Uganda
The exhibition is part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of EU-Uganda relations in 2026, commemorating five decades since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations and the opening of the European Commission’s first office in Kampala in 1976.
European Union Delegation to Uganda
Through the images and personal stories of the 12 Ugandan icons, the exhibition celebrates a partnership that continues to grow and adapt - while remaining focused on a shared ambition: a more prosperous, sustainable and inclusive Uganda where people can create opportunities and thrive.
European Union Delegation to Uganda