Kampala, Uganda – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Uganda Council on Foreign Relations (UCFR) and the European Union Delegation to Uganda, participated in a high-level panel discussion on “Renewing the African Union–European Union Partnership: Shared Prosperity, Peace and People” held on 18 November 2025 at Fairway Hotel, Kampala. The dialogue formed part of the activities marking 25 years of AU–EU cooperation, ahead of the 7th AU–EU Summit scheduled for 24–25 November 2025 in Luanda, Angola.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Amb. John L. Mugerwa, Head of the International Legal and Social Affairs Department, delivered opening remarks emphasising Uganda’s commitment to shaping a modern partnership that aligns with Africa’s priorities. He noted that future cooperation must reflect Africa’s development agenda, including industrialisation, deeper regional integration, digital transformation, and value addition.
EU Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Jan Sadek, praised Uganda’s role as a regional unifier and reaffirmed the EU’s support towards peace, stability, governance, and economic transformation. He highlighted that as the partnership marks 25 years, both continents have an opportunity to reinforce a forward-looking and mutually beneficial relationship.
The dialogue drew over 100 participants from government ministries, civil society, academia, youth networks, the private sector, and the diplomatic community. Conversations focused on strengthening peace and security through African-led approaches, addressing root causes of conflict, and promoting sustainable development. Participants also reflected on the role of innovation, mobility, climate action, and regional market integration under the AfCFTA in driving shared prosperity.
Uganda–EU trade continues to expand, now exceeding €2 billion, with Ugandan exports such as coffee, fish, and agricultural products steadily increasing. Stakeholders underscored the importance of investment that enhances African productive capacity, supports long-term resilience, and strengthens the humanitarian–development nexus, particularly as Uganda remains one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting nations.
The discussion provided timely perspectives that will inform Uganda’s engagement at the upcoming Luanda Summit and contribute to shaping a more strategic, equitable, and people-centred AU–EU partnership.
