France and Uganda Ink Major Deals for Cancer Center and More

Uganda and France have signed a pivotal agreement for the design, construction, and equipping of a regional cancer treatment center in Mbarara City. This initiative is part of a wider array of planned bilateral cooperation efforts between the two nations.

Paris is reportedly offering Kampala concessional loans, private sector financing, export credits, and technical expertise across various sectors, including aviation, digital ecosystems, and piped water supply. These developments come ahead of the France-initiated Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.

The “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth” summit will convene African and French leaders, alongside business stakeholders. The French Ambassador to Uganda, Virginie Leroy, emphasized Uganda’s and the East African Community’s importance in this evolving partnership.

The Mbarara Oncology and Diagnostic Centre is a key project, with an investment of up to Euro51 million (Shs224 billion). This facility aims to improve cancer care accessibility, complementing existing and planned regional centers in Gulu, Arua, and Mbale.

Beyond healthcare, France has pledged a medical helicopter for emergency response and is supporting Ugandan Airlines in fleet and operational development. French company Sagemcom is also in discussions for a $200 million investment in rural electrification, and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has allocated Euros40 million for green financing.

Additionally, a Euros150 million soft loan is designated for the National Water and Sewerage Corporation to enhance water supply in Fort Portal, Hoima, and Lira. These collaborations are expected to foster job creation and human resource development in Uganda.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/france-unlocks-deals-for-uganda-5451438