Entebbe– President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the European Union (EU) and Western countries to support Africa’s industrialization and value addition agenda, arguing that the continent cannot continue exporting raw materials while remaining economically disadvantaged decades after attaining independence.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday at State House Entebbe during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Jan Sadek, and his delegation, who had paid a courtesy visit to brief him on activities marking the Golden Jubilee celebration of the partnership between Uganda and the European Union.
President Museveni welcomed the milestone, describing the Uganda-EU relationship as a long-standing partnership that has contributed to the country’s development over several decades.
“I thank you so much. I am very happy about the 50 years of collaboration between the EU and Uganda,” President Museveni said, noting that formal EU presence in Uganda dates back to the period when the European office was opened during the reign of former President Idi Amin.
While appreciating the partnership, the President stressed that Africa’s biggest challenge remains the failure by many leaders to prioritize economic transformation through industrialisation and value addition.
“In the interest of Europe and the United States, a more prosperous Africa is very good for business,” he said. “The total GDP of Africa is only $3.6 trillion for a population of 1.5 billion people. This is really not good.”
President Museveni attributed Africa’s slow economic growth to the continued exportation of unprocessed raw materials, describing the practice as a historic policy mistake that has deprived the continent of wealth creation opportunities.
“The reason why the GDP of Africa is still stagnant is because of the policy mistakes of exporting unprocessed raw materials. This is a very big crime and a betrayal of the continent’s future,” he said.
The President appealed to Europe and the United States to view Africa as a strategic economic partner whose prosperity would create mutual benefits through increased trade and investment.
“Why should you want to trade with a poor man? Why shouldn’t you want your partner to be rich so that you can both benefit?” he asked.
President Museveni highlighted Africa’s vast market potential and natural resources, noting that Europe possesses the capital, investment funds and industrial expertise necessary to unlock shared prosperity.
He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to industrialisation and value addition policies, saying the country would continue pursuing economic transformation while encouraging other African nations to follow suit.
“For us in Uganda, we are very clear. We shall not make those mistakes of stunting the potential of Africa. Work with us, and the others will join us,” he said.
The President also identified infrastructure development, particularly railway transport, as another critical area of cooperation between Africa and Europe.
“For competitiveness, you need low transport costs for cargo, affordable electricity, low cost of financing and competitive labour,” he noted.
On governance and international affairs, President Museveni reiterated Uganda’s commitment to diplomacy and multiparty democracy.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Jan Sadek congratulated President Museveni upon his recent electoral victory and commended Uganda’s growing influence in regional and international affairs.
He thanked the President for his continued commitment to strengthening Uganda-EU relations and noted that the partnership has evolved significantly over the past five decades.
“Once upon a time the European Union was not here physically, but in 1976 we started this relationship and now we are celebrating 50 years,” Ambassador Sadek said. “It is a Golden Jubilee, and we are looking ahead to what we can achieve together in the next 50 years.”
The Ambassador observed that Uganda has transformed remarkably over the years, emerging as a respected voice on regional and global issues.
He revealed that the EU delegation sought the President’s guidance on how to further strengthen the partnership and ensure it remains productive and beneficial for both sides.
According to Ambassador Sadek, EU support in Uganda spans infrastructure, hydropower, forestry, tourism, education, health, trade and investment. He noted that the relationship has evolved beyond donor assistance into a partnership focused on economic growth and mutual benefit.
“Currently our relationship has moved on from a donor relationship to partnership in trade, investments and the economy,” he said.
He disclosed that trade between Uganda and the EU has grown from 500 million euros to 1.5 billion euros and expressed optimism about the potential of Ugandan products in European markets.
The Ambassador also highlighted EU support towards the rehabilitation of Nalubaale and Kiira hydropower plants, the construction and upgrading of approximately 200 schools, including refugee schools, and investments in Uganda’s film and creative industries to create employment opportunities for young people.
Additionally, Ambassador Sadek announced that the EU would support Uganda during the upcoming AFCON 2027 tournament and expressed interest in promoting tourism and cultural exchange through the event.
He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to regional peace, stability and long-term cooperation with Uganda, describing the bloc as a reliable and predictable partner.
“We want to remain here for the coming 50 years, reliable and predictable for Uganda in a world that is not always stable,” he said.
The Ambassador also announced plans to open a new European Union office in Kampala later this year and invited President Museveni to officiate at the launch.
During the meeting, Ambassador Sadek showcased roasted Ugandan coffee produced in Kisoro, which he described as one of the best-selling Ugandan coffee brands in Europe, highlighting the growing potential of value-added Ugandan exports in international markets.
