EU Envoy Calls Uganda a “Unifier” as Africa–EU Partnership Marks 25 Years

The European Union Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek, has praised the long-standing relationship between Africa and the European Union, describing it as a partnership built on peace, prosperity, and shared values.

He was speaking on Tuesday during a public diplomacy dialogue held at Fairway Hotel, organised by the EU Delegation to Uganda in collaboration with the Uganda Council for Foreign Relations (UCFR), as part of activities marking 25 years of the AU–EU partnership.

Ambassador Sadek highlighted the EU’s position as Africa’s number one partner on peace and security, noting that cooperation between the two continents continues to expand across multiple sectors.

“Our relationship is anchored on prosperity and stability. Uganda has consistently demonstrated willingness to be a unifier in the region, and we remain committed to supporting African-led solutions,” he said.

Mr Robel Admassu, (R) head of Political Affairs at the Embassy of Ethiopia, with a colleague at the conference

He added that the partnership has unlocked significant opportunities in investment, health, governance, and human development, strengthening Africa’s capacity to address emerging challenges.

General Ivan Koreta, Chairman UCFR

The envoy also pointed to renewed momentum as both continents prepare for the 7th AU–EU Heads of State Summit, scheduled to take place in Luanda, Angola, from 24–25 November 2025.

Egypt Ambassador to Uganda Monzer Selim (L) and his Somali counterpart

The Summit will be a defining moment, particularly as 2025 marks 25 years of AU–EU cooperation.

The Luanda Summit is expected to set a new tone for Africa–Europe engagement, with both blocs seeking a modern, bold, and future-driven partnership. Key focus areas will include:

• Economic integration and trade
• Green development and climate action
• Digitalisation and innovation
• Migration, mobility and human development
• Strengthening multilateralism

Amid shifting global dynamics, the Africa–Europe partnership is positioned to act as a stabilising force and a driver of sustainable progress.

Rwanda ambassador to Uganda H.E Joseph Rutabana (R) who also doubles as Dean of African Ambassadors in Uganda, with EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek

To generate fresh ideas ahead of the landmark summit, the Africa-Europe Foundation (AEF) has launched the #RoadtoLuanda25 initiative—bringing together experts, youth voices, policymakers, and civil society to shape a renewed partnership vision.

Uganda’s active participation, Ambassador Sadek noted, reflects its growing influence in regional diplomacy and peacebuilding. The EU continues to work closely with Uganda to promote stability in the Great Lakes region and support economic transformation through its development programmes.

The dialogue featured panel discussions on peace and security as well as social and economic development, drawing experts from academia, government, and the EU Delegation.

As preparations intensify for the Luanda Summit, stakeholders on both continents are calling for a deeper, more inclusive partnership, one that responds to the aspirations of African and European citizens, and to the demands of an increasingly complex global landscape.