The European Union has announced โฌ50 million (approximately Shs 231 billion) in new support for conservation and tourism in Uganda, reaffirming its commitment to the countryโs development and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The announcement was made by EU Ambassador Jan Sadek during the UgandaโEU Partnership Dialogue co-chaired by President Yoweri Museveni on October 14, 2026. The talks also focused on expanding trade, agricultural processing, mineral development, renewable energy and investment.
Ambassador Sadek highlighted opportunities to add value to Ugandaโs coffee, chocolate and other agricultural products locally, enabling the country to increase export earnings and create economic opportunities. He noted that EU support to Uganda over the past 50 years was estimated at โฌ20 billion.
Uganda and the EU also discussed improving the business environment, strengthening access to European markets and promoting investment through the EUโs Global Gateway initiative. Bilateral trade stands at approximately โฌ2.4 billion annually, with Uganda recording a trade surplus of about โฌ1 billion.
The EU further commended Ugandaโs contribution to regional peace and security, its role in African Union efforts in Somalia, and its response to Ebola. Both sides agreed to establish a dedicated security dialogue and hold the UgandaโEU Partnership Dialogue annually.
The renewed partnership reflects Ugandaโs continued engagement with international partners to attract investment, promote value addition, strengthen regional stability and advance its development ambitions.
