20 August 2026 Uganda

The TEDA leadership engaged in constructive dialogue during the High-Level France–Uganda Policy Forum, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and collaboration on key developmental initiatives. This forum provided a platform for stakeholders to address pressing issues and explore opportunities for mutual benefit. Participants emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in fostering sustainable growth and addressing regional challenges. The outcomes of this forum are expected to pave the way for strengthened cooperation between France and Uganda in various sectors.

The Teso Elites Development Association (TEDA) was represented at the High-Level France–Uganda Policy Forum and Graduation Ceremony for the 2026 CEPA Research & Policy Fellowship cohort, held in Kampala on 20 August 2026.

TEDA Lead Fraide Solomon participated in the high-level policy forum, hosted by the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA) under the theme:

“From Evidence to Action: Strengthening France–Uganda Cooperation for Inclusive, Accountable and Participatory Policymaking.”

The forum brought together policy actors, researchers, development practitioners, private-sector representatives and other stakeholders to reflect on the relationship between evidence, public policy and development.

What This Means for TEDA

For TEDA, participation in such spaces provides an opportunity to learn from policy and development actors while strengthening the organization’s understanding of how evidence, research and citizen participation can contribute to more responsive development.

Three areas were particularly relevant to TEDA’s work:

Evidence to Action

The discussions reinforced the importance of connecting research and evidence with practical action. TEDA recognizes the value of using credible information, community experiences and locally generated evidence to better understand development challenges and inform interventions.

Youth Participation in Public Action

Youth should not only be viewed as beneficiaries of development programmes. They are also contributors, innovators and participants in decision-making processes. TEDA continues to advocate for meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in conversations and processes that shape their communities and future.

Building Partnerships for Development

The forum also provided an opportunity to engage with ideas, institutions and networks working across policy and development spaces. TEDA sees such platforms as valuable for learning, collaboration and identifying opportunities to strengthen community-led development initiatives.

From Learning to Community Action

TEDA believes that participation in national and international policy spaces should ultimately contribute to stronger work at community level.

Our commitment remains to unleashing youth potential, preserving culture and supporting sustainable development across the communities we serve in the Teso and Bukedi sub-regions.

As TEDA continues to grow, we will keep seeking opportunities to connect evidence, youth leadership, partnerships and community action—ensuring that lessons from policy spaces can contribute to practical development work on the ground.

TEDA is grateful for the opportunity to participate in spaces where evidence, policy and development come together, and looks forward to contributing to future conversations and partnerships.