Minister Mao says Bastille Day symbolises freedom

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao said, the celebration of Bastille Day underlies the values of freedom, sovereignty, and unity.

“The strides by the French people towards achieving a better France hold a significant place in the records of history as it led to such a greater achievement for humanity,” Mao said.

He was addressing guests on Friday attending the colourful Bastille Day celebrations. The celebrations were held at the residence of Xavier Sticker the French Ambassador to Uganda at Nakasero, Kampala.

July 14, is the National Day of France held to commemorate the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress for political prisoners and freeing them. 

L-R, Crentsil Matthew, Country Representative UNHCR Uganda, Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Uganda and Joseph Rutabana Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Uganda pose for a picture during the Bastille Day celebrations at the French Ambassador residence in Nakasero, Kampala on July 14, 2023. Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda.

Bastille symbolised the harsh rule of the Bourbon monarchy under King Louis XVI. However, on July 14, 1789, the French swore that enough was enough. 

Mao, who addressed the celebration for the first time as minister for justice, said that it was through a courageous fight against oppression, the pursuit of liberty, equality, and fraternity that the ideals adopted by the French Revolution continue to resonate around the world, inspiring many nations, institutions and individuals to stand for a better future.

“We stand together on this joyous day; we acknowledge the remarkable journey France has embarked upon since gaining its independence. France has emerged as a global power, shaping the world in numerous spheres,” Mao explained.

The minister said that from art, culture, and philosophy to science, technology, and diplomacy, France has left a lasting mark on humanity and still continues to do so. He indicated that Uganda backs France’s continued commitment to support the regional players in finding lasting solutions to regional issues, in an approach that has helped solve many conflicts in Africa.

“Uganda remains committed to working with France in achieving regional peace and stability, sustainable national development and national prosperity,” Mao said. He appreciated the efforts towards encouraging French companies to invest in Uganda and to promote industrialization. 

He further said that at multilateral level, Uganda and France have supported each other on various regional and international issues through the framework of the United Nations. He said the areas of shared interests include peacekeeping operations in Africa in the pursuit of stability and development.

“By working together, we can address the challenges of our time, including climate change, sustainable development, and peace and security,” Mao added.

Sticker said that every July 14th, the French celebrate the storming of the Bastille and the start of their revolution.

Guests enjoy a moment during the Bastille Day celebrations at the French Ambassador residence in Nakasero, Kampala on July 14, 2023. Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda.

He explained that 13 years after the American Revolution, the French Revolution of 1789 left its mark on the world. “It was a moment of faith in the greatness of humankind and in its ability to rise above itself, to proclaim ideals and standards such as those enshrined in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

Over time, these ideals and standards have spread across the world. These are principles that have never been perfectly achieved, including by ourselves, but which must always guide us,” Sticker remarked.

“The French are proud of all this heritage, and attached to those values. The celebration of our national day is an opportunity to reflect, in your presence, on what we have achieved with our Ugandan, European and international partners over the past year,” Xavier added.

He expressed satisfaction at the growth of business partnerships throughout this year. He called on the French and Ugandans to get to know each other better, develop mobility between Uganda and France and strengthen the Franco-Ugandan communities of interest.

The ambassador applauded the growth in the number of French companies in Uganda from 26 in 2019 to over 40 today. He mentioned that France is the second largest investor in Africa, and the number of subsidiaries of French companies in Africa has doubled in 15years.

Citing a few a few examples, the ambassador said that with funding from the French Development Agency (AFD), work began this year on water connections, a water treatment plant and a supply network from the Kagera River, which supply water to Southwestern Uganda, up to Mbarara and Masaka Districts.

Another area of support is the power extension works of the Umeme Ltd electricity distribution network. This was done with a loan of €42m (sh154b) from the AFD. This has connected 40,000 additional households to the network.

With regard to urban development, discussions are underway to co-finance with the World Bank, up to € 40m (sh146b), the development program for the metropolis of Kampala. AFD is also examining a €50m (sh183b) development project for the towns of Arua, Soroti, Fort Portal and Mbarara.

The ambassador expressed happiness that more Ugandans were pushing the door of the French consulate that processed 3,300 visa application files in 2022. This number is expected to double in 2023. He promised that they will continue with efforts on providing scholarships, so that more Ugandan students go to France for training.

In regard to refugees, he said that since January 2023, France has to-date allocated about € 1.9m (sh7b) in food aid and € 900,000 (sh3.1b) via the UNHCR.