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Uganda and Netherlands: Strengthening partnership for sustainable growth
As Uganda continues its pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development, its partnership with the Netherlands demonstrates the value of long-term international cooperation.
The Netherlands joins Denmark, Sweden and Iceland in Multi-Donor SAY Plus+ initiative to empower Ugandan Youth on July 23, 2026. (Courtesy)
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
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OPINION
By Arinda Ernest
The relationship between the Netherlands and Uganda has grown into one of the most enduring and productive partnerships between Europe and East Africa. Anchored in trade, investment, sustainable development and human rights, the partnership has evolved beyond traditional development assistance into a forward-looking collaboration that promotes private sector growth, agricultural transformation, health and inclusive economic opportunities. As Uganda pursues its Vision 2040 and the NDP IV, the Netherlands remains an important partner in supporting sustainable and shared prosperity.
One of the most significant contributions of the Netherlands has been in supporting Uganda's economic transformation. Through investments in agriculture, horticulture, dairy, renewable energy and agribusiness, Dutch expertise has helped improve productivity, create jobs and strengthen market access for Ugandan farmers and entrepreneurs. The Netherlands has also promoted trade and investment between the two countries, encouraging technology transfer, innovation and value addition that contribute to Uganda's long-term economic growth.
The Netherlands has also become one of Uganda's leading development partners in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Through collaborations with the Government of Uganda, UNFPA, civil society organisations and health partners, the Dutch government supports programmes aimed at improving access to family planning services, comprehensive sexuality education, maternal healthcare and HIV prevention. The Embassy of the Netherlands invests approximately more than €10 million annually in SRHR programmes that target adolescents, women, refugees and other vulnerable populations. These interventions have contributed to national efforts to reducing maternal mortality, teenage pregnancies, unmet family planning needs and unsafe abortions.
Another critical area of Dutch support has been the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. Dutch-supported programmes i.e. SAY Plus+ have strengthened community awareness, improved access to survivor-centred services and supported policy reforms that protect women and girls. The programmes have also worked with local organisations to challenge harmful social norms, prevent child marriage and improve responses to gender-based violence through healthcare and counselling.
One of the most significant contributions of the Netherlands has been in supporting Uganda's economic transformation. Through investments in agriculture, horticulture, dairy, renewable energy and agribusiness, Dutch expertise has helped improve productivity, create jobs and strengthen market access for Ugandan farmers and entrepreneurs. The Netherlands has also promoted trade and investment between the two countries, encouraging technology transfer, innovation and value addition that contribute to Uganda's long-term economic growth.
The Netherlands has also become one of Uganda's leading development partners in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Through collaborations with the Government of Uganda, UNFPA, civil society organisations and health partners, the Dutch government supports programmes aimed at improving access to family planning services, comprehensive sexuality education, maternal healthcare and HIV prevention. The Embassy of the Netherlands invests approximately more than €10 million annually in SRHR programmes that target adolescents, women, refugees and other vulnerable populations. These interventions have contributed to national efforts to reducing maternal mortality, teenage pregnancies, unmet family planning needs and unsafe abortions.
Another critical area of Dutch support has been the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. Dutch-supported programmes i.e. SAY Plus+ have strengthened community awareness, improved access to survivor-centred services and supported policy reforms that protect women and girls. The programmes have also worked with local organisations to challenge harmful social norms, prevent child marriage and improve responses to gender-based violence through healthcare and counselling.
The Embassy's Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Development Cooperation (now the acting head of mission), Bouwe-Jan Smeding, also highlighted the importance of Dutch private sector investment in Uganda's transformation. Following his engagement with leading Dutch agribusiness companies, he noted:
"The private sector is a key driver of economic development in Uganda. These companies demonstrate how innovation, investment, and long-term commitment can strengthen agriculture, support farmers, and create sustainable growth."
His remarks reflect the Netherlands' strategy of promoting partnerships that combine business, innovation and development to create lasting economic opportunities for Ugandans.
As Uganda continues its pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development, its partnership with the Netherlands demonstrates the value of long-term international cooperation. By combining investment, development assistance, knowledge exchange and private-sector partnerships, the two countries continue to strengthen economic opportunities, improve social outcomes and deepen bilateral relations. As this cooperation evolves, it is well positioned to contribute to shared prosperity and sustainable development for both nations.
"The private sector is a key driver of economic development in Uganda. These companies demonstrate how innovation, investment, and long-term commitment can strengthen agriculture, support farmers, and create sustainable growth."
His remarks reflect the Netherlands' strategy of promoting partnerships that combine business, innovation and development to create lasting economic opportunities for Ugandans.
As Uganda continues its pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development, its partnership with the Netherlands demonstrates the value of long-term international cooperation. By combining investment, development assistance, knowledge exchange and private-sector partnerships, the two countries continue to strengthen economic opportunities, improve social outcomes and deepen bilateral relations. As this cooperation evolves, it is well positioned to contribute to shared prosperity and sustainable development for both nations.