Uganda: Over 2,800 explore study and research opportunities in Europe
More than 2,800 people gathered at Makerere University in October for the EU–Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026, turning a day of exhibitions, conversations and discovery into a powerful showcase of the opportunities created by five decades of cooperation between Uganda and the European Union.
The event showcased opportunities for Ugandan students, universities and researchers to study in Europe, engage in international academic partnerships and participate in European education and research programmes, highlighting Uganda’s strong interest in strengthening academic mobility and research collaboration with Europe.
Freedom Square at Makerere University was buzzing with energy on 8 October, 2026 as students, young professionals, academics, researchers and education enthusiasts came together for a day that was as much about discovering possibilities as it was about celebrating a longstanding partnership.
EU-Uganda Golden Jubilee
The event, celebrating 50 years of the EU-Uganda partnership, demonstrated a strong Team Europe approach, with all nine EU Member States represented in Uganda—Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden—participating. Seven EU Ambassadors attended the opening ceremony, alongside Uganda's Acting Minister of Education and Sports, who joined as Guest of Honour, and senior representatives of Ugandan institutions, including Makerere University and the Uganda National Students' Association.
Through interactive exhibition stands, information sessions and lively exchanges, participants explored opportunities ranging from scholarships and academic mobility to research grants, fellowships and institutional partnerships.
Opening the fair, acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr. Chrysestom Muyingo called for greater investment in education, skills, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, stating Uganda's youthful population will only become a demographic dividend if the country equips young people to participate meaningfully in the economy.
European Union, 2026
For many young Ugandans, the event offered something particularly valuable: direct access to information. Representatives from European embassies, universities, scholarship programmes and returning alumni helped demystify the process of studying in Europe, answering practical questions about applications, eligibility, language requirements, visas and living costs. The message was clear: opportunities exist, and with the right preparation, Ugandan students and researchers can access them.
“The enthusiasm surrounding the fair reflects the growing importance of education and research in the EU–Uganda relationship,” noted EU Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Jan Sadek. “Over the past five years, nearly 1,500 Ugandan students and staff have been selected for mobility opportunities in Europe, while more than 700 European students and staff have travelled to Uganda.”
European Union, 2026
Not just about studying abroad
But the fair was about much more than studying abroad. Throughout the day, participants explored opportunities under Erasmus+, Erasmus Mundus, Horizon Europe and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, alongside scholarships and academic programmes offered by individual EU Member States.
European Union, 2026
Two panel discussions brought together European and Ugandan experts to discuss student mobility, international research partnerships, access to European funding opportunities and Uganda's research priorities. A dedicated pitch session also provided a platform for young researchers to present their ideas and demonstrate Uganda's emerging research talent.
European Union, 2026
The fair highlighted the role of education, research and innovation in strengthening EU–Uganda cooperation, including opportunities to connect Ugandan institutions and researchers with investments under the EU's Global Gateway strategy.
Building on strong EU–Uganda partnerships
The event built on growing academic cooperation between Uganda and Europe. Since 2021, more than 1,500 Ugandan students and staff have benefited from Erasmus+ mobility opportunities, while Ugandan universities continue to participate in European-funded higher education and research partnerships.
European Union, 2026
Beyond the strong turnout and significant media interest, the fair created opportunities for further engagement. The event served to reaffirm Team Europe's commitment to supporting Uganda's young people, universities and researchers, while expanding opportunities for education, innovation and international cooperation.
European Union, 2026