The outgoing Deputy Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Uganda, Guillaume Chartrain, has commended Uganda’s remarkable socioeconomic transformation under President Yoweri Museveni, describing the country’s progress over the last four years as evidence of a nation steadily advancing on its development journey.
Chartrain made the remarks during a farewell meeting with the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, at the Special Forces Command (SFC) Headquarters in Entebbe, where the two leaders reflected on the growing partnership between Uganda and the European Union and explored opportunities for continued cooperation.
The meeting, held as the French diplomat concludes his four-year tour of duty in Uganda, highlighted the strengthening diplomatic, economic and security ties between Uganda and the 27-member European bloc, a relationship that has expanded significantly in recent years despite occasional differences on governance and human rights issues.
Envoy Reflects on Uganda’s Transformation
Having witnessed Uganda’s development firsthand during his posting, Ambassador Chartrain said the transformation he had observed extended beyond economic statistics to tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
He attributed the progress to sustained government efforts aimed at improving infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening social development programmes.
“The country’s socioeconomic transformation over the last four years has had tremendous impact on the livelihoods of Ugandans,” the envoy noted, adding that the progress had created a stronger foundation for deeper engagement between Uganda and the European Union.
According to Chartrain, the growth experienced by Uganda has not only improved the wellbeing of its people but has also strengthened political and economic cooperation between Kampala and Brussels.
He said Uganda has increasingly become an important partner for the European Union in East Africa, particularly in trade, investment, peace and security, climate action and regional stability.
Throughout his tenure, the European diplomat interacted with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and private sector players, giving him a unique perspective on Uganda’s development trajectory.
His farewell remarks therefore carried particular significance, coming from a diplomat who has observed both the challenges and opportunities facing the country over an extended period.
Growing Uganda-EU Partnership
The meeting with Gen Muhoozi also underscored the increasingly important role the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) continues to play in regional peace and security, areas where Uganda has worked closely with international partners, including the European Union.
Relations between Uganda and the European Union have steadily evolved beyond traditional development cooperation to embrace investment, trade, governance, environmental protection and regional security.
The European Union remains one of Uganda’s largest development partners, providing substantial support across sectors such as agriculture, education, health, refugee response, renewable energy, water infrastructure and private sector development.
European-funded programmes have also supported road construction, youth employment, skills development, climate resilience, women’s empowerment and access to clean water, contributing significantly to Uganda’s long-term development agenda.
Uganda, on the other hand, continues to strengthen its position as one of East Africa’s fastest-growing economies, attracting increased European investment in manufacturing, agribusiness, tourism and energy.
Muhoozi: Uganda Is on the Right Path
Responding to the envoy’s remarks, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba welcomed the positive assessment and said Uganda’s progress reflects a broader economic awakening taking place across the African continent.
The CDF observed that, like many developed countries before it, Uganda’s transformation requires patience, consistency and strategic investment over several decades.
“Uganda and Africa as a whole are rising economically,” Gen Muhoozi said, adding that the country is taking the right steps toward achieving sustainable economic growth.
He emphasized that Uganda’s development agenda is anchored on expanding infrastructure, improving security, increasing industrial production and creating opportunities for the country’s youthful population.
The military chief expressed optimism that the current development trajectory would continue delivering tangible benefits for millions of Ugandans.
Security and Diplomacy Go Hand in Hand
Beyond economic matters, the two leaders discussed broader bilateral issues affecting relations between Uganda and the European Union.
Although details of their discussions were not disclosed, analysts say security cooperation has become an increasingly important pillar of Uganda-EU engagement.
Uganda continues to play a leading role in regional peacekeeping operations, particularly in Somalia and other conflict-prone areas within the Great Lakes and East African regions.
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