The use of threatening language on social media may result in instability in Uganda as the country heads into general elections, the French government has warned.
The outgoing French Ambassador to Uganda, Xavier Sticker, hailed the investment climate in the country, but hoped for a continued favorable regulatory framework but also a predictable, stable and peaceful political and social environment.
“As Uganda prepares to hold elections in early 2026, it is important that voting takes place without violence and that voters can go to the polls unhindered,” he appealed. He also voiced his concern over the likely effects of negative sentiments on social media on investments. “Also, the brutalisation of the rhetoric, as well as threats on social networks, are creating a climate of deterrence that is raising questions about the future for investors and others.”
He was speaking at the events to commemorate the 14th day of July, 1789, officially known as “Bastille Day”, the day the French people started their revolution, and took their destiny in hand as a nation.
He hailed the relationship between his country and Uganda over the years, pledging to maintain support for various government, private, and civil society activities.
Specifically mentioned their support to the refugee sector and prevention of gender-based violence, where he pledged that his country would focus some resources. The envoy said that the day is now used to strengthen ties with, and come their closest, most committed and most inspiring partners, and reflecting on what they have achieved together with the French.
He said some of the partnerships close to their hearts are those in solidarity with the most disadvantaged.
“I am also thinking of our partnerships with Ugandan civil society players to promote gender equality and full respect for human rights. And I would add our new initiatives for French language teaching,” he said.
France supports Uganda’s generous policy of welcoming refugees. It also supports the fight against food insecurity, which affects local populations, currently in Nakivale and Karamoja.
“And soon, France will embark on financing for a major Ugandan bank to distribute credit and provide new opportunities for tens of thousands of small farmers,” said Striker, without naming the bank. He added that this would be complemented by a programme to support Ugandan start-ups in green technologies, in partnership with another Ugandan bank.
More than 70 French and Ugandan companies are now equally represented in the French Chamber of Commerce in Uganda, with the Chamber providing services and support to new investors. It is estimated that more than eight trillion Ugandan shillings have been invested in the country over the last three years, especially in the oil and gas sector, with a further twelve trillion shillings planned over the next three years.
France is also investing in Uganda through the French Development Agency, in the water, energy, urban development and agriculture sectors.
The major achievements of 2025, according to Amb. Striker, include financing the supply of water to one million inhabitants in the north of Kampala, in partnership with National Water and Sewerage Corporation; financing drainage and road repairs as part of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Project, alongside the World Bank; and financing access to electricity “for tens of thousands of Ugandan households” in rural areas, with the European Union.
Former Prime Minister, Patrick Amama Mbabazi, the chief guest, hailed France’s continued support to Uganda in different areas, including investing in social services, the military and supporting the private sector. Noting the significance of Bastille Day, Mbabazi said that the day should be used to advocate for the promotion of peace, unity, equality, freedom and sovereignty in the world, which Bastille Day stands for.
“These timeless ideals resonate powerfully today as we navigate a complex global landscape, reminding us of our shared duty to uphold human dignity and build inclusive society founded on mutual respect and understanding,” said Mbabazi. He hailed the increasing interest by France’s private sector in investing in Uganda, including the planned investment worth 3.8 Billion Euros (about 4.35 Billion Dollars) in the coming years, especially in the oil and gas sector.