French envoy pays courtesy visit to Vision Group

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French Ambassador to Uganda Virginie Leroy paid a courtesy visit to Vision Group, with discussions focusing on potential partnerships in development journalism, language and culture.

Leroy visited the media company's head offices in Kampala on October 26, 2026, where she met Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama and Editor-in-Chief Sidney Miria Babanga.

Vision group Editor-in-Chief Sidney Miria Babanga. (Credit: Richard Sanya)

During the visit, the ambassador toured the company's printing press and interacted with editors and reporters to learn about its media operations and role in promoting public awareness and development.

Babanga said Vision Group was interested in working with the French Embassy to strengthen development journalism, which he described as one of the media house's longstanding areas of focus.

French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Virginie Leroy, is taken on a guided tour of Vision Group headquarters in Industrial Area by the company's Chief Executive Officer, Don Wanyama, during her courtesy visit. (Credit: Richard Sanya)

He noted that sustained development reporting requires substantial resources, making partnerships important in expanding coverage of issues affecting communities.

Wanyama said Vision Group had diversified beyond conventional media into commercial printing, digital platforms and other businesses linked to its core operations.

He also highlighted the company's international partnerships in agriculture and education, citing collaborations with the Netherlands Embassy on initiatives such as the Harvest Money Expo and Best Farmers competition, as well as support from the Irish Embassy for education initiatives, including the Best Teachers competition.

The meeting also gave Vision Group an opportunity to explain its ownership structure and editorial mandate.

French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Virginie Leroy, is taken on a guided tour of Vision Group headquarters in Industrial Area by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Don Wanyama, during her courtesy visit. (Credit: Richard Sanya)

Wanyama said that although the Government of Uganda holds a majority stake in Vision Group, the company maintains editorial independence. He cited New Vision's reporting on the Office of the Prime Minister iron sheets scandal as an example of its scrutiny of public institutions.

The visit comes amid existing trade ties between Uganda and France, which could provide opportunities for broader commercial engagement.

According to France's Directorate-General of the Treasury, French exports to Uganda amounted to €47.7 million (about sh237.6 billion) in 2025, while imports from Uganda rose by 35.4% to €35.9 million (about sh179.3 billion).

Agricultural products accounted for 86.8% of French imports from Uganda, with coffee among the key commodities.

French exports to Uganda included machinery, electrical and electronic equipment, petroleum products and pharmaceuticals.