UGANDA: EU AMBASSADORS PLEDGED TO SUPPORT FORMER LRA VICTIMS AND PROMOTE COFFEE FARMERS IN ACHOLI SUB REGION

Nine EU Ambassadors enjoy Acholi Cultural Dance, Pledge Support to Gulu’s
Oktoberfest Festival.
However, the Ambassador Jan Sadek reiterates that the European Union remains
a reliable and predictable partner for Uganda. Their goal is both comprehensive
and deep-rooted, based on shared political, trade, and development goals, as well
as shared values. As Uganda's largest development partner, the EU allocates
grants from the unified EU to support common priorities, green Transition,
sustainable growth and jobs and Democratic Governance and social inclusion
among others.
GULU CITY – TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025

Team Europe, took photo with Emeritus paramount chief Rwot David Onen Acana II, IN middle, on his
left head of EU, delegation to Uganda Ambassador Jan Sadek. (Photo by Stephen Okello)
At exactly 10:00 AM, a delegation of nine European Union Ambassadors arrived
at the Gulu City Mayor’s Gardens, where they were warmly welcomed with
traditional Acholi Bwola dances performed by Bwola dancers from Gulu Academy
welcome Team European Union in Gulu City mayor garden.
The EU head ambassador Jan Sadek European Union head pledged continued
support for Gulu’s socio-economic and cultural revival as part of monitoring the
ongoing Peace, Recovery, and Development Program (PRDP) initiated after the
Juba Peace Talks.

“The EU has been a strong supporter of Uganda’s coffee sector, a vital part of
Uganda economy, for more than 40 years, the EU currently funds numerous
projects that support the development, since Acholi Sub Region gears toward the
coffee production, and the ECU will support the coffee farmer too.” Ambassador
Jan Sadek promised’
He stressed this commitment is reinforced by diverse initiatives of EU member
states and accessible financing from European Development finance intuitions,
including the European Investment Beak, these efforts are harmonized through the
team Europe approach to ensuring greater impact.
His Excellency Jan Sadek, Head of the EU Delegation to Uganda, expressed his
appreciation for the warm welcome in Gulu City and the broader Acholi Sub-
region. “We are delighted to be in Northern Uganda once again. These cultural
engagements foster transparency and understanding between the EU and Uganda.
We were in Jinja and Kampala last year (2024), and now we are in Gulu to learn
more about agriculture, trade, politics, and conflict recovery,” he noted.
Ambassador Sadek reiterated the EU’s commitment to strengthening partnerships
in trade and investment. “Last year, exports from Uganda to the EU increased by
60%, valued at €1.25 million—particularly in coffee. Gulu has great potential for
business, given its strategic location.”
He further alluded that the EU and Uganda have also fostered a mutually beneficial
trade relationship that has significantly contributed to Uganda’s economic growth
and development over the past 50 years, with ongoing advantages for both parties.
The EU offers Uganda a vast, lucrative and stable market, free from tariffs on
Ugandan export, “In fact, in 2024, Uganda’s export to the EU increased 50 percent
to 1.25 billion EUR/5 and it achieved a significant trade surplus of 500 million
EUR/2 trillion UGX with the EU, coffee is the largest commodity.”
The EU main agenda as the European Union and Uganda look to the future, “The
Global Gateway initiative is set to play a key role in driving national and regional
economic growth.” Improving infrastructure as part of the green transition, and
strengthening trade and cooperation both with Europe and within the region.
Flagship projects like the rehabilitation of the Nalubaale-Kiira Hydropower plant,
support for coffee value chain development, the Uganda-South Sudan power
interconnection project, and the Team Europe Water Sanitation and Hygiene
(WASH) programme in schools are set to delivery substantial investment through
these projects, the Global Gateway initiative will help unlock more opportunities
for investment and cooperation, promoting sustainable development and poverty

reduction, ultimately leading to more prosperous and interconnected future for all.

He also emphasized the EU’s interest in Uganda’s upcoming elections, noting that
their programs are overseen by Carolina Sendiago and Manuela, who are leading
electoral support initiatives.
Engagement with Acholi Traditional Leadership
The delegation paid a courtesy visit to His Highness Rwot David Onen Acana II,
the Paramount Chief of Acholi, to gain insights into Acholi cultural traditions and
post-conflict recovery efforts.
Deputy Prime Minister Martin Okumu briefed the delegation on the roles of Ker
Kwaro Acholi in promoting psychosocial empowerment, climate change
mitigation, reintegration of child mothers, and land dispute resolution. He
highlighted that over 2 million displaced people during LRA over two decades
conflict in 1986 to 2006, and the returned to their homes following the 2006 Juba
Peace Agreement and emphasized the urgent need to support their reintegration.
Okumu also shared Ker Kwaro Acholi &39; s plans to establish a cultural war memorial
museum on its 8-acre land, promote livestock farming, and expand access to
education for disadvantaged children in the region.
Mayor Okwanga Highlights Gulu’s Growth and Challenges
Gulu City Mayor, Alfred Okwanga, briefed the EU Ambassadors on the city’s
colonial history, noting its evolution from a township in 1906 to city status in
2021. Once the northern headquarters for the British colonial administration, Gulu
is now the largest commercial and administrative hub in the Acholi Sub-region,
located 332 km north of Kampala and covering 255 sq. km.
Mayor Okwanga expressed gratitude for EU-funded projects, especially in urban
development and infrastructure under the USMID program. Gulu was recently
recognized by the World Bank and NEMA as Uganda’s cleanest city. The EU has
also supported the city with improved access to clean water, a solid waste
management system, and a logistics hub to enhance regional trade.
Healthcare, Peace, and Investment Opportunities
Mayor Okwanga noted the establishment of a cancer hospital funded by Austria,
making Gulu one of only two regions in Uganda offering specialized cancer
treatment (the other being Kampala&39; s Mulago Hospital). He praised the prevailing
peace and security in the region but highlighted persistent challenges, including
high poverty levels, low literacy rates, and youth unemployment.

He urged the EU to explore investment opportunities in Gulu and the wider Acholi
Sub-region, citing abundant arable land and high-value crops such as organic
millet, Simsim, sunflower, chia seeds, and coffee. “Acholi has the potential to
become a global agricultural leader in the next 50 years,” he added.
The region also boasts strong tourism potential with national parks like Kidepo
Valley and Murchison Falls drawing international visitors. Additionally, Acholi is
a leading cotton producer, with potential for value addition through textile and
agro-processing industries.
Appeal for Strategic Partnerships
Mayor Okwanga made specific requests to the EU Ambassadors, including:
 Twinning Gulu City with European cities to foster cultural and economic
exchange
 Upgrading Pece Stadium into a modern sports facility
 Supporting the Gulu Oktoberfest Festival to promote Acholi culture
 Preserving Acholi heritage through a new cultural museum
 Upgrading Gulu Airfield into an international airport to boost regional trade
and connectivity
EU Delegation Tours Key Sites in Gulu
The EU delegation concluded their visit with a walking tour of Gulu City,
including stops at the central market and key historical sites. They also visited Pece
War Memorial Stadium and met General Salim Saleh. The ambassadors expressed
interest in understanding the implementation of the “Operation Wealth Creation”
program and its link to the upcoming 2026 general elections.
The delegation also visited the Gulu NGO Forum to learn about the role of civil
society in Uganda’s democratic process

Additional reporting by Olwoch Jacob staff report