Virginie Leroy Assumes Office as New French Ambassador to Uganda

By Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L.H.D. (Hon.)

The Government of France recently appointed H.E. Virginie Leroy as the new Ambassador of France to the Republic of Uganda, succeeding H.E. Xavier Sticker, who recently completed his diplomatic tour of duty in Kampala.

Ambassador Leroy officially presented her credentials to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Entebbe, reaffirming France’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Uganda in areas of trade, culture, education, and security cooperation.

During the ceremony, President Museveni commended the long-standing partnership between Uganda and France and expressed optimism about continued cooperation between the two countries.

“I not only want infrastructure, but also support in wealth creation,” President Museveni said, urging France and other development partners to invest in sectors that directly improve the livelihoods of Ugandans.

Ambassador Leroy, who previously served in various diplomatic capacities within the French Foreign Service, pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessor and further deepen the partnership between Kampala and Paris.

“I’m so delighted to return to the Pearl of Africa as France’s new Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Uganda,” Ambassador Leroy said. “I look forward to reconnecting with old friends, meeting new ones, and advancing the long-standing Uganda–France partnership.”

Her appointment marks a new chapter in the dynamic diplomatic relationship between France and Uganda, anchored on mutual respect, shared development goals, and a vision for inclusive growth.

Biographical information on Ms Virginie Leroy

Born on April 28, 1971

Higher education

Post Graduate Degree in Economic Conjuncture and Prospective – Paris Science and Literature PSL University
Post Graduate Degree in Political science and Public policy – Paris Institute of Political Studies
Diploma in Public management – Ecole nationale d’administration ENA

Professional Career

1995 – 1999: Parliamentary Assistant in the Senate – FRENCH PARLIAMENT
1999-2002: Consulting – based in Burkina Faso – Ouagadougou
Feb 3rd, 2003 : joins the Agence Française de développement AFD
2003 – 2005: AFD – Desk officer – Strategy and Partnership Department – Paris
2005 – 2007 : Consulting – based in Zambia – Lusaka
2007 – 2009: AFD – Country Desk Officer for Mali and Guinea Conakry – Africa Department – Paris
2010 – 2014: AFD – Deputy Country Director in DR-Congo – Africa Department – Kinshasa
2014 – 2019: AFD – Country Director in Uganda – Africa Department – Kampala
2019 – 2025: AFD – Deputy Executive Director (from 2022), Global Head Human Development and Social Progress, Co-leading Finance in Common Coalition for Social Investment (from 2021)
Sept 1st, 2025: joins the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE)