Let’s Not Damage EU-Uganda Relations For Lack Of Understanding
By Henry Oryem Okello
05/16/21 AT 7:00 AM
Last month, and to much fanfare across East Africa, French multinational Total signed a $5 billion (€4.1 billion) oil extraction and pipeline agreement with the Government of Uganda. Along with multi-million financing for refining and hydropower by Italian and Austrian conglomerates, EU companies recognize our development opportunities and are fast becoming the world leaders of foreign direct investment in Uganda today.
Yet contrast this definitive vote of confidence with the smoke emanating from the European parliament. According to a letter written to EU High Representative Josep Borrell from a handful of parliamentarians, Uganda is not a place that should be helped - but rather punished. It’s: "Yes a day of history for Uganda, for Tanzania, for East Africa, for Total. Very proud of all our teams"