First Lady hails 50 years of EU partnership in Uganda

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The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni, has commended the strong and longstanding partnership between Uganda and the European Union, as the two sides prepare to mark 50 years of bilateral cooperation.

She expressed gratitude for the EU’s continued support towards changing the quality of life of Ugandans through various initiatives, including programmes focused on skills development, employment,  entrepreneurship and private sector development, as well as social protection efforts targeting women and youth.

“We thank God for the long-standing partnership. I congratulate you and people of Uganda on the 50 years of our bilateral cooperation, which has contributed to the development vision,” Mrs Museveni said on Tuesday, March 17, during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek.

Several dignitaries attended the meeting hosted by the First Lady at State House, Nakasero.

They include: the Minister of State for Primary Education, Dr Joyce Kaducu, Makerere University Vice Chancvellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe and senior Technical officers from the Ministry of Education led by the Permamnet Secretary Dr Kedrace Turygyenda.

During the engagement, Mrs Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the European Union, expressing optimism for continued collaboration in the years ahead.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Uganda, I thank the European Union for its support over the years. We look forward to building an even stronger partnership as we build the global village for the future,” she said, according to a release from her office.

Mrs Museveni also welcomed the upcoming EU–Uganda Research and Study Fair, describing it as timely and beneficial to Uganda’s education sector.

“I’m happy to hear about the EU-Uganda Study Fair that you are organising this year, bringing together higher education institutions and showcasing study and research opportunities available to Ugandan students. We look forward to this initiative,” she noted.

The Study Fair, scheduled for June 4 at Makerere University, is being positioned as a flagship activity in celebrations marking 50 years of cooperation between Uganda and the European Union.

On structural upgrading, the First Lady assured the delegation that the Ministry would fast-track coding approval for six schools to enable infrastructure development under ongoing EU-supported programmes.  

Ambassador Sadek described the 50 years of bilateral cooperation between the European Union and Uganda as a milestone that offers an important opportunity to celebrate and further strengthen the longstanding partnership. 

The EU envoy said the Research and Study fair will bring together European and Ugandan higher education institutions to promote academic exchanges and showcase study and research opportunities available to Ugandans, particularly through programmes such as Erasmus+ and complementary EU-member state programs. 

The fair is expected to attract a wide range of participants, including students, university leaders, policymakers and researchers.

“This initiative aims to connect Ugandan students, researchers and universities with institutions across Europe. It is not only about academic mobility but also about investing in Uganda’s young generation and building skills for the future,” the Ambassador said.

He noted that since 2022, more than 1,400 Ugandan students and academic staff have benefited from the Erasmus + - EU-funded exchange and training programme, while Ugandan institutions are actively participating in over 25 collaborative research projects under the Horizon Europe programme.

The Study Fair, he added, forms part of a broader calendar of activities to mark five decades of EU presence in Uganda, dating back to the establishment of its delegation in 1976. The anniversary celebrations will include exhibitions, public engagements and outreach events showcasing the impact of the five decades of EU-Uganda cooperation.

Ambassador  Sadek further highlighted key EU-supported initiatives in Uganda, including the Euro €114 million Gender for Development programme, which focuses on girls’ education, life skills development, and the prevention of gender-based violence in Northern Uganda.

He reported significant progress, including the training of over 1,500 teachers, improved school infrastructure, and support to vulnerable adolescents. In addition, the EU has committed €50 million towards skills development and job creation, particularly in green sectors such as sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.

The EU Ambassador also reported that they were exploring further opportunities for collaboration in sports, particularly as Uganda prepares to host matches for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He revealed preparations are underway for EU envoys' visit to the state-of-the-art  Hoima Stadium to assess facilities, including the newly constructed stadium expected to host some of the games.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe praised the EU for its substantial contribution to research funding, noting that the institution is among the largest beneficiaries of EU-supported academic programmes globally.

“Makerere has recovered its position as a top global research university largely due to its partnership with the EU”, noted Prof Nawangwe. “ We are honoured to host this historic fair,” he stated.