Entebbe, July 23, 2025 – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today met with H.E. Xavier Sticker, the outgoing French Ambassador to Uganda, at State House Entebbe for a farewell discussion marking the conclusion of Ambassador Sticker’s diplomatic tenure in Uganda.
During the meeting, President Museveni emphasized the critical role of global cooperation in achieving equitable development, particularly between the West and African nations. He urged stronger partnerships to balance trade and foster mutual economic growth.
“We need to unite to make the world great,” President Museveni stated, underscoring the importance of collaboration.
The President highlighted the challenges caused by global development imbalances, which adversely impact both developing countries and Western economies. He advocated for reciprocal trade, stressing that while Uganda imports machinery and raw materials from the West, there should be increased importation of Ugandan value-added goods such as textiles and processed dairy products to stimulate job creation and economic growth at home.
President Museveni also expressed satisfaction with Uganda’s longstanding and friendly relations with France. He specifically welcomed French investments by TotalEnergies in the Lake Albert oil fields, signaling confidence in Uganda’s economic potential and commitment to leveraging these opportunities for shared benefits.
“I deliberately selected TotalEnergies, a partner with CNOOC Limited in the Lake Albert oil development, and I’m glad they are investing,” Museveni remarked.
As Ambassador Sticker prepares to take up his new role as the European Union Ambassador to Guinea-Conakry, he expressed gratitude for his tenure in Uganda and optimism about future Franco-Ugandan relations.
“Uganda and France have enjoyed a long-standing and dynamic relationship. It is crucial that we continue to deepen our understanding of each other while facilitating community mobility and building shared interests between our nations,” Sticker said.
The outgoing ambassador also praised President Museveni’s dedication to Uganda’s coffee sector, recognizing its vital role in the country’s revenue generation. Additionally, he encouraged the expansion of French businesses in Uganda, proposing the establishment of factories to further stimulate local economic growth.