“We identify with Bastille Day spirit,” Ex PM Amama Says As Uganda, France Toast to Deepening Ties and Investment

Kampala | 14 July 2025 — Uganda joined France in commemorating Bastille Day with a grand diplomatic reception at the French Residence in Kampala, an occasion marked by powerful affirmations of historical friendship, future collaboration, and shared aspirations.

Former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi delivered Uganda’s keynote address at the celebration, joining French Ambassador Xavier Sticker, ministers, business leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps in honouring France’s national day.

“Bastille Day stands as an enduring symbol of humanity’s quest for liberty, equality, and fraternity,” said Mbabazi.

“These timeless ideals resonate powerfully today… Uganda deeply identifies with the spirit of Bastille Day.”

The former Premier noted that Uganda’s own path—marked by a quest for freedom, dignity, and self-determination—mirrors the values celebrated on 14 July.

He pledged Uganda’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with France across development, security, and culture.

€3.8 Billion Pledge by French Companies

Both Mbabazi and Ambassador Sticker emphasized France’s growing economic footprint in Uganda.

Over the past three years, French investments have topped UGX 8 trillion, with an additional UGX 12 trillion (approx. €3.8 billion) pledged for the next phase, particularly in oil, gas, energy, and infrastructure.

Amama Mbabazi delivering his speech. PHOTO BY ALEX MASEREKA JOEL

Ambassador Sticker called the French business presence in Uganda “a spearhead of partnership,” noting the leadership of over 40 companies and the growing influence of the French Chamber of Commerce in Uganda.

Mbabazi also cited the recent MEDEF business mission to Bunyoro as a sign of growing commercial cooperation.

The event’s platinum and gold sponsors included TotalEnergies, AGL, Engie, Sogea Satom, CFAO, CanalBox Vivendi, and Newrest.

Development, Culture, and Civil Society at the Heart

The two dignitaries praised the work of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which is funding major initiatives in water access, rural electrification, road infrastructure, agriculture, and climate resilience. These projects were described by Mbabazi as “enduring interventions that enhance capacity, equity, and dignity.”

Both speeches also spotlighted France’s contributions to Uganda’s refugee response, particularly in Nakivale and Karamoja, as well as support for civil society efforts in human rights and gender equality.

EU Deputy Head of Mission Guillaume Chartrain was part of the members of the diplomatic corps who attended the event. PHOTO BY ALEX MASEREKA JOEL

The cultural highlights of the evening included a performance by Ssewa Ssewa, as well as the creation of a collaborative mural, emphasizing Franco-Ugandan artistic dialogue.

Mbabazi praised initiatives like French Week 2025 and the upcoming Ventilo Sports Programme, which are deepening youth and cultural exchange.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda H.E Etsegenet Yimenu Bezabih (R) with Mr Jean-Philippe Bittencourt, Sheraton Hotel Kampala Manager at the celebration. PHOTO BY ALEX MASEREKA JOEL

Diplomatic Farewell and a Toast to the Future

In what was his final Bastille Day in Kampala, Ambassador Sticker bid farewell, stating, “These ties are unbreakable.” He toasted to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the people of Uganda.

Mbabazi echoed those sentiments with a closing toast:

“Let us reaffirm our dedication to building a future of enduring friendship, robust cooperation, and sustained solidarity… Vive la France. Vive l’Ouganda. Vive notre partenariat.”

By Alex Masereka Joel