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PHOTOS: AU–EU Partnership Must Be Aligned With Africa’s Priorities – Amb. Mugerwa

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2 months ago

November 20, 2025

Amb. John L. Mugerwa, Head of the International Legal and Social Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All PHOTOS BY ALEX MASEREKA JOEL

Uganda has urged the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) to build a more strategic, forward-looking, and mutually beneficial partnership that aligns with Africa’s development priorities as both continents prepare for the 7th AU–EU Summit scheduled for 24–25 November 2025 in Luanda, Angola.

Speaking at the AU–EU panel discussion in Kampala, Amb. John L. Mugerwa, Head of the International Legal and Social Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered opening remarks on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Hon. Vincent Bagiire.

The event was organised by the EU Delegation to Uganda in collaboration with the Uganda Council on Foreign Relations (UCFR).

Mugerwa praised the timeliness of the dialogue, noting that it comes at a critical moment as Africa and Europe reflect on “Renewing the AU–EU Partnership: Shared Prosperity, Peace and People.”

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

General Ivan Koreta, Chairman UCFR (R) with EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek

He emphasised that the future of the partnership must be guided by Africa’s priorities—industrialisation, deeper regional integration, digital transformation, and value addition to commodities.

The function was attended by a cross section of government officials and members of the diplomatic corps, academics etc.

Various diplomats attended the event. They included envoys from; Rwanda, Ethiopia, Algeria, Somalia, Egypt, Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, Norway and China among others.

Trade and Investment Need to Unlock African Capacity

Mugerwa highlighted the growing volume of EU–Africa trade and investment, noting that Uganda–EU trade currently stands at over €2 billion, with Uganda’s exports such as coffee, fish, and agricultural products steadily increasing.

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

He, however, stressed that future investments should build African capacity rather than dependency, calling for infrastructure that connects regional markets and trade frameworks that make African products more competitive globally.

Rwanda ambassador to Uganda H.E Joseph Rutabana (R) who also doubles as Dean of African Ambassadors in Uganda, spoke highly of the partnership

“A revitalized partnership must align fully with Africa’s vision under the AfCFTA,” he said, adding that deeper economic integration is essential for shared prosperity.

Denmark’s Ambassador to Uganda Signe Winding Albjerg following proceedings

Peace and Security Remain Foundational

The ambassador reiterated that Africa’s prosperity is inseparable from peace and stability. He thanked the EU for its critical support to Africa’s peace and security architecture, citing contributions to peacekeeping missions such as AMISOM in Somalia.

Swedish mission to Uganda is Ambassador Maria Håkansson with other members of the diplomatic corps

Uganda, he said, remains deeply invested in stabilising the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa through regional cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and community resilience programmes.

However, Mugerwa cautioned that sustainable peace cannot rely solely on military interventions.

“We must address the root causes of conflict—political solutions, strong institutions, and community engagement,” he said, urging the EU to prioritize predictable support for African-led peacebuilding initiatives.

People at the Centre of the Partnership

With Africa’s population projected to rise from 1.4 billion to 2.5 billion by 2050, Mugerwa underscored the importance of a partnership that generates economic opportunities, especially for young people.

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

He also highlighted Uganda’s role as one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting nations, currently sheltering over 1.9 million refugees, mainly fleeing violence in neighbouring countries.

While Uganda maintains an open-door policy, Mugerwa said pressure on social services and local economies remains immense.

The German ambassador to Uganda is Matthias Schauer at the event

He called for a partnership that strengthens the humanitarian–development nexus, ensuring long-term improvements for both refugees and host communities.

Youth and Innovation Key to the Future

Mugerwa described Uganda’s youthful population as its greatest asset and urged the EU to deepen collaboration in digital innovation, vocational training, research, and mobility programmes that improve youth competitiveness.

French Ambassador to Uganda Ms Virginie Leroy (R) with Ambassador of Denmark to Uganda Signe Winding Albjerg

“Europe has been an important ally, but even greater collaboration is possible,” he said.

Renewing a Shared Vision

He concluded by thanking the EU Delegation and UCFR for convening the dialogue, expressing optimism that insights from the discussions would enrich Africa and Europe’s engagement at the upcoming Luanda Summit.

EU’s Deputy Head of Mission to Uganda is Guillaume Chartrain spoke of the bloc’s partnership in the area of security

“As we work toward a stronger and more equitable AU–EU partnership, the voices gathered here today will be critical,” Mugerwa said.

The Luanda Summit is expected to focus on economic integration, trade, multilateralism, climate action, digitalisation, security cooperation, migration, and human development—marking 25 years of AU–EU cooperation.