Ethiopian Review

Kampala — THE French government has instructed its development assistance arm to resume lending to Uganda. The French Development Agency was initially not authorized to lend or accept guarantees from low developed countries, including Uganda. This directive limited the agency’s operations in the country.

The French ambassador, René Forceville, said the revision of the policy followed Uganda’s improved economic performance, based on findings by the International Monetary Fund.

The ambassador was speaking during celebrations to mark the French National Day at his residence in Kampala on Tuesday.

He also said France was training the Ugandan contingent of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to restore peace and stability in the country.

Forceville hailed Uganda for its hospitality to the French community. He said the French presence in Uganda dated back to 1879 with the arrival of the French White Fathers.

“About 130 years later, we are witnessing the presence of French companies in Uganda,” he said, citing Orange Telecom, Total and Hima Cement, a subsidiary of the French company, Lafarge.

Forceville said to improve the France-Uganda cooperation, there had to be improved understanding between the two countries.

“This can be achieved through the promotion of tourism,” he said.

He hailed the European Union for supporting peace in northern Uganda, which he said would facilitate sustainable development in the region.

The foreign affairs state minister, Henry Okello Oryem, said the French revolution ushered in liberty and equality, which he said were crucial for freedom and human rights.

He said there were numerous trade and investment opportunities in both countries, adding that bilateral agreements would promote and protect investments and prevent double taxation.

- By Raymond Baguma | New Vision