EU commissioner to hold talks with Museveni

By Faridah Kulabako

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni will this weekend host the European Union Commissioner for International Development, Neven Mimica to discuss development issues.

According to a media statement issued by the EU Uganda office, President Museveni and his guest will discuss economic growth, the challenge of youth unemployment and governance, among others.

Commissioner Mimica who is on his first tour of East Africa is also expected to outline the EU's new Emergency Trust Fund, which was set up to address the root causes of migration, promote work opportunities in Africa and to counter radicalisation and extremism. 

The Commissioner on a regional tour that started on September 14th, also visited Rwanda and Kenya Kenya. In Uganda he is expected to meet Members of Parliament, civil society and private sector representatives.

According to Emmanuel Gyezaho, the Press and Information Officer, European Union in Uganda, the Commissioner's maiden visit is to East Africa, seeks to discuss the EU's cooperation with the three countries, as well as look at the challenges with regard to economic growth, migration and the recovery from shocks and disasters.

"This is my first visit to these three countries and my message will be clear: Africa is on the move, with people and the economy enjoying unprecedented opportunities for growth.

“I can confirm that the EU, a long term partner to the region, is committed to doing all it can to continue to help, boost trade and support to these East African countries on their path to growth. After all, it is clear that there can be no development without growth and jobs,” he said in a media statement issued by EU Uganda office.

Through the 11th European Development Fund, the EU is providing sh2.4 trillion (€578m) for Uganda over the period 2014-2020 in three main areas of transport infrastructure, food security and agriculture and good governance.