In a bid to strengthen the relationship between Uganda and France, the Embassy of France in Uganda decided to celebrate the long-term friendship with a couple of activities.
The Uganda-France friendship week to mark the Francophone Day in the country started on 18th March and will end on 25th March with activities ranging from academics, military, music, art and sports among others.
The game between Uganda cranes and the French Military team on Saturday at Mandela National stadium will be the closing event to climax the celebrations.
Her Excellency, Stephanie Rivoal, the French Ambassador to Uganda believes football is one of the ways that can be used to bolster the bilateral relations between the two countries.
“Uganda is coming to the face of world football after the participation at AFCON and we thought the friendly game will be able to bolster the relations between Uganda and France,” she said in a press briefing held at Fufa house on Wednesday.
“The game between Uganda cranes and the French military team could be the foundation of very many things that may come in future and therefore I call upon the public to embrace this chance,” she added.
Fufa President, Engineer Moses Magogo thanked the ambassador for the great initiative and indicated this is a great opportunity for Ugandan football.
“It is a honour for us to have such a great delegation of this magnitude partnering with the Federation. We are aware of the fact that France has been a platform for many African footballers to showcase their talent including our very own, the late Majid Musisi who played at Rennes in the 1990s,” he stated.
“So as the federation, we value this partnership and we believe it can be important in the years to come,” added Magogo.
Fans will pay UGX 5,000 and 20,000 as entrance fee with artists like Sheebah Karungi, Navio,Bebe Cool all expected to grace the occasion and some of the proceeds will be used to buy sports equipment for schools around Kampala that include Kibuli SS, Lubiri SS, Kisasi Primary school among others.
The game will be handled by FIFA referees, Ali Sabila (centre referee), Hussein Bugembe (1st Assistant referee), Ronald Katenya(2nd Assistant referee), Brian Miiro Nsubuga (4th official), Abbas Ssendyowa (match commissioner).