UGANDA: EU Remains Supportive of Uganda Amidst Anti-Gay Bill Debate
Despite their disagreement with the recently passed Anti-Homosexuality Bill, the European Union will continue to support Uganda’s development agenda, according to Jan Sadek, the EU’s ambassador to Uganda.
Tuesday, at a function in Kampala commemorating Europe Day, Mr. Sadek stated that the government’s continued dialogue with him on the issue indicates that they have Uganda’s best interests at heart.
“The EU is extremely interested in Uganda. Working with all segments of Ugandan society, the EU seeks to establish a robust partnership with Uganda in the areas of politics, cooperation, trade, and investment. Sadek stated, “We have an ongoing, broad-based dialogue with the government, and we agree on many issues.”
He added: “However, as friends and partners, we also speak up when we disagree… The fact that we disagree about the new Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which contradicts universal values and threatens the safety and dignity of a group of citizens, is not a secret. We believe it is essential to be able to communicate openly about such matters.”
These remarks come after international organizations and development partners threatened to withhold desperately needed aid in response to a bill that, according to them, violates their foreign policies and fundamental human rights.
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The European Union and its 27 member states are Uganda’s leading development partners, investing millions of euros in sectors such as infrastructure, trade, energy, and education, among others.
Since then, the EU has met with President Museveni about the same bill.
“The current cooperation budget for the EU Delegation is 800 million euros, and Team Europe, including the efforts of EU Member States, is Uganda’s most important development partner…Mr. Sadek stated that we are active in all areas, including infrastructure and renewable energy, trade and investment promotion, education and gender, culture, and support for civil society.
He praised Uganda’s positive role in the region, its progressive refugee policy, and its advancements in gender equality, freedom of religion, and ethnic harmony.
Mr. Sadek also lauded Uganda for its resolute support of renewable energy and commercial coffee production.
“We commend Uganda’s…. and its ambitions on renewable energy – where 90% of the country’s electricity comes from renewable sources,” he said.
“Coffee is the true link between Uganda and the EU! Approximately sixty percent of Uganda’s annual coffee exports to Europe are worth over 800 million euros…And we believe there is room for expansion,” Mr. Sadek stated.
Ms. Alupo described the positive collaboration between the government and the EU as “vibrant and robust.”
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Ms. Alupo stated, “We appreciate the significant contribution and support that the EU has continued to extend in our social economic development and transformation agenda…in areas that are crucial for the development of the country, such as infrastructure, energy, and agriculture, as well as supporting the country in addressing key development challenges.”
The creation of jobs for young people, the preservation of the environment, and governance and social inclusion are among the key areas that will receive an increase in investment, he added.
At the event, Ms. Alupo also expressed her concern over the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, urging both sides to explore the possibility of peace.
“We urge all parties to refrain from escalating hostilities, end all hostilities, de-escalate the conflict through diplomatic means, and pursue mechanisms for dialogue and peaceful resolution.”
Mr. Sadek characterized the Russian invasion of Ukraine as imperialism and colonialism.
Since the outbreak of war, Uganda has maintained a neutral stance, with President Museveni previously declaring a soft engagement with both parties to end the conflict.
UGANDA: EU Remains Supportive of Uganda Amidst Anti-Gay Bill Debate
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