EU commends Uganda's democratic model

Jun 28, 2016

A political dialogue was held between government officials and ambassadors of EU countries

Minister of Trade and Industry Amelia Kyambadde (L), State Minister for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem (C), Swedish Ambassador to Uganda Urban Andersson (L) and other dignitaries pictured after the meeting at the foreign affairs ministry in Kampala. Photo by Maria Wamala

Even with its concerns about the results of the 2016 General Elections, the European Union (EU) has commended the democratic model used in Uganda.

The remarks were made by Ambassador Alphons Hennekens of Netherlands on behalf of other EU representatives at a press briefing in Kampala on Tuesday.

The briefing was held after a political dialogue between government officials and ambassadors of EU countries at the foreign affairs ministry.

Hennekens noted that Uganda's democratic model may not be same as that of Netherlands and European countries but that it serves the purpose of the day.

At the dialogue, Uganda and EU also exchanged views on the recommendations of local, regional and international election observers of the general elections.  EU election observers in their recent report criticized the process in Uganda.

Both parties acknowledged the responsibility of government to protect people and their property and ensuring that human rights are protected during elections.

Foreign affairs minister, Sam Kutesa said the political dialogue should have taken place early this year but that both parties were too committed to meet.

Kutesa further said that the government will look at all the recommendations in the observers' reports and those of the court ruling in the election petition filed by former contestant Amama Mbabazi, to see what to dialogue with other stakeholders.

The political dialogue between Uganda and EU was held a few days after UK voted to leave the union.

Some sources said the dialogue was held to discuss the post referendum experience.  

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