Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 1,088
- 570
President Museveni has warned European Union partners against interfering in Uganda’s political and social affairs, renewing his defence of national sovereignty after years of disagreements over elections, human rights and sanctions.
Speaking while hosting and co-chairing the first Uganda–European Union Partnership Dialogue at State House, Entebbe, on Wednesday, October 14, Museveni said Uganda welcomed cooperation and exchanges of views but opposed attempts to manipulate domestic decisions.
“Once you don’t interfere with our political issues and social issues, leave us; don’t interfere with us. Influence people, for example, do what you think is right, but don’t manipulate,” he said.
The meeting, held as Uganda and the EU mark 50 years of cooperation, brought together government officials and European diplomats to discuss trade, climate action, development cooperation, governance, human rights and security.Museveni defended Uganda’s electoral and representation arrangements, citing constituency MPs and special representation for women, youth and persons with disabilities.
He said Uganda was willing to “discuss governance with European partners but opposed foreign funding intended to influence domestic political choices.”On social issues, he reiterated the government’s position on homosexuality, saying Uganda “did not support its promotion as an alternative way of life.”
His remarks revisited a longstanding dispute between Kampala and European institutions over where diplomatic engagement ends and interference begins.
Relations came under strain during the violent campaign preceding the January 2021 elections, when opposition rallies were dispersed, political activists arrested and internet access blocked.
In February 2021, the European Parliament condemned the conduct of the elections and called for targeted sanctions against individuals and organisations responsible for human rights violations.
The government rejected the resolution, arguing that security agencies had been enforcing COVID-19 restrictions and maintaining public order.
Similar disagreements resurfaced around the January 2026 elections.
The EU raised concerns about an uneven playing field, arbitrary arrests of civil society actors and an internet shutdown, while saying it remained committed to engagement with Uganda based on shared interests and mutual respect.
On February 12, 2026, the European Parliament adopted another resolution condemning election-related abuses, calling for a review of cooperation and assistance to Uganda, targeted sanctions and greater support for civil society, journalists and human rights defenders.
Despite these disputes, Wednesday’s dialogue brought both sides together around a broad cooperation agenda.
The European delegation included resident ambassadors and heads of mission from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria, alongside non-resident representatives from Czechia and Spain
Source: Chimp Reports.
