Celebrated every May 9, the event commemorates Robert Schuman's declaration on 9 May 1950, a historic moment that laid the foundation for peace, unity and prosperity on a continent ravaged by war.

At the EU Residence in Kololo, Kampala, Ambassador Sadek welcomed more than 600 guests, including Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo as guest of honour, to a celebration marking 74 years of the EU.

In his remarks, Ambassador Sadek noted that Europe Day is a day to reflect on the values “that we hold dear, such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and respect for human rights.”

He noted that sadly, freedom and democracy faces challenges, both globally and inside the Union, and reflected on how peace and security cannot be taken for granted on the continent and beyond. “Since February 2022, our security is threatened by the Russian aggression war in Ukraine. The response from the European Union and its Member States has been swift, united, and strong, countering the imperialism and colonialism on the Russian side,” he said. “In the end, Ukraine has a future inside the European Union, and as a symbol for our solidarity, the Ukrainian flag is flying here alongside the EU one.”

Ambassador Sadek said Europe Day presents an excellent opportunity to look closer at the EU-Uganda partnership, which he described as “a rich and multifaceted one – that embraces the government sphere, civil society, businesses, culture, media and reaches all corners of this country.” He commended Uganda for its generous and progressive refugee policy, and affirmed EU commitment as a reliable partner supporting refugees and host communities in the country, noting that the EU is built on certain values and believes in “equality and inherent dignity of every human being.”

In his address, Ambassador Sadek expressed his disappointment following the decision by the Ugandan Parliament to adopt the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which he said discriminates against a group of its citizens, simply because of who they are.

Ambassador Sadek also spoke about Uganda’s positive trade balance with the EU, noting: “EU and Uganda has had a remarkable development on the trade side, with a huge increase in particular of Ugandan exports, which is now around 800 MEUR per year. Our trade is very balanced, with a slight surplus for Uganda.” He also pointed out that the EU remains Uganda’s leading development partner, with the official development assistance from the EU and its Member states, in a Team Europe format, totalling close to 1.5 billion euros, or close to 6 trillion UGX.

For more information, please contact EU Delegation Press and Information Officer:

Emmanuel Davies Gyezaho : Emmanuel-Davies.Gyezaho@eeas.europa.eu +256 756 719882