UPC mourns fallen French music icon

Lawrence Okae (wearing white shirt) during the press conference. On the microphone is David Baliriane, the UPC secretariat administrator

The Uganda People's Congress (UPC) has described the deceased France's rock 'n' roll icon Jonny Hallyday as a big influence on French cultural seen who was not only respected across Europe, but globally.

"UPC wishes to pass on its condolence message to the French Ambassador and staff at the embassy, as well as French nationals in Uganda following the passing away of  the legendary French rock music icon," said the party's national chairman Lawrence Okae.

Hallyday died at the age of 74 after battling lung cancer. The news of his demise was announced by the office of the French president. 

"He brought a part of America into our national pantheon," French President Emmanuel Macron's office said early on Wednesday. 

During UPC weekly press conference at Uganda House on Wednesday, Okae commended the deceased for his contribution to the battle against social challenges resulting from exclusion and xenophobia in France and European continent, which have also affected Africa.