To mark International Day of Democracy in Uganda, the EU Delegation together with the Embassy of Sweden and the Netherlands Institute of Multiparty Democracy organised a vibrant #TeamEurope Initiative debate and discussion on the topic: Democracy’s future– perspectives from Uganda’s young elected leaders.

Young political leaders participated in discussions that explored views of a cross-party group of young-elected leaders. Together, they assessed the current state of democracy, challenges and opportunities and the future evolution of democratic governance in Uganda. The event was treated to a lively discussion amongst participants, including from members of our Youth Sounding Board for Uganda, who stressed the importance of young people redefining what #Democracy means, by showing up and occupying positions of power.

European Union Delegation to Uganda

Each year the EU Delegation and the Embassy of Sweden organise a #TeamEurope event to mark #DemocracyDay in Uganda. These events seek to advance discourse on key aspects of democratic development in Uganda, involving government, political parties, media, academia, civil society and the private sector. At this year's event, we celebrated 36 young people drawn from a number of political parties who have completed the first training round from our EU funded #UgandaDemocracyAcademy implemented in Uganda by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy.

European Union Delegation to Uganda

“The work of building, sustaining and improving a democracy is never done. The energy from young people in this room today is an encouraging sign of the vigour & innovation needed to chart the path forward for democracy in Uganda,” said EU Ambassador Jan Sadek. “But it has also revealed the energy, ambition and dedication needed to overcome these challenges and build a new kind of politics–one which rejects nepotism and corruption and instead seeks to create a merit-based, transparent and accountable form of leadership that delivers for all.”

European Union Delegation to Uganda

Speaking at the event, Swedish Ambassador to Uganda Maria Hakkanson underlined Sweden’s conviction that #Democracy is the best foundation for a sustainable society, before affirming her country’s continued support to democratic processes in Uganda.

The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Ms Betty Amongi closed the debate thanking event organisers for the unwavering support in strengthening democratic values and principles in Uganda. “Your dedication to empowering young leaders reflects the importance of investing in the future of our nation,” she said.

See in full: