President Museveni has held a farewell meeting with the outgoing French Ambassador to Uganda, Xavier Sticker, at State House Entebbe.
During their discussion, President Museveni emphasized the importance of global cooperation, urging Western nations to work more closely with developing countries—especially in Africa—to promote equitable development and fair trade relations.
“We need to unite to make the world great,” President Museveni said, stressing the need to correct imbalances in global development that not only affect countries like Uganda but also pose long-term risks to the West.
The president called for mutual trade in value-added products, citing the need for developed countries to import finished goods such as Ugandan textiles and processed dairy products.
“We buy machinery and industrial raw materials from the West, and in return, they should also support our industries by buying our finished goods. This supports job creation and economic growth in Uganda,” he noted.
President Museveni also lauded the strong bilateral ties between Uganda and France, singling out the significant investments by TotalEnergies in the Lake Albert oil fields as an example of fruitful cooperation.
“I deliberately selected TotalEnergies, in partnership with CNOOC Limited, to participate in the Lake Albert oil development. I’m glad they are investing,” he said.
Ambassador Sticker, who will take up his new posting as the European Union Ambassador to Guinea-Conakry, expressed appreciation for the cordial relations and fruitful engagement he experienced during his tenure in Uganda.
“Uganda and France have enjoyed a long-standing and dynamic relationship. It is crucial that we continue to deepen our mutual understanding, facilitate community mobility, and build shared interests between our nations,” Ambassador Sticker remarked.
He also commended President Museveni’s support for the coffee industry, recognizing its vital role in Uganda’s revenue generation.
In addition, the Ambassador encouraged the expansion of French businesses in Uganda, particularly through the establishment of factories to boost local manufacturing and economic development.
