France, Uganda agree to increase security cooperation

Kampala. News of a terror attack that killed at least 80 people and left 50 others injured in the famed seaside promenade in the French city of Nice during the celebrations of the 227th French National Day/Bastille Day filtered in at least an hour later after similar celebrations in Uganda.

According to reports, a driver crashed his truck into a group of people, jumped down and opened fire with a gun as the crowd watched fireworks display in the southern French city. The reports quoting French police sources say identity documents belonging to a French-Tunisian man, 31, had been found in the truck.

French president Francois Hollande said the incident was “undeniable” terror attack. 

US president Barack Obama described the attack as “a horrific terrorist attack” adding that, “on this Bastille Day we are reminded of the extraordinary resilience and democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire world.”

Before the attack at around 11.30pm local time, President Museveni had officiated at the celebrations of the day at the French Ambassador, Ms Sophie Makame’s residence in Nakasero, Kampala. Also present were a select French community members, business executives, government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

The storming of Bastille in 1789, a medieval fortress and prison in Paris which represented the despotic monarch, was one of the key highlights of the 1789 French Revolution that gave birth to the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity.

President Museveni said he reveres the day because he knows “the importance of the French Revolution” which destroyed forces of feudalism. Going forward, he added that one of the areas Uganda and Africa needed to strengthen cooperation with France and Africa is security. “There are many areas in security we need to discuss thoroughly,” he said. “When we go for African Union Summit we need to talk about them with other presidents.” (NMG)