Parents have been urged to prioritize French language education for their children, as it plays a key role in international communication, trade, and diplomacy.
This call was made by the Rwandan Ambassador to Uganda, Vincent Karega during the Alliance Française Kampala (AFK) Best Awards ceremony, where 16 top performers in the Njogera Français program were recognized.
Speaking at the event, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of learning French, noting that it enhances career opportunities.
He encouraged parents to embrace this international language by enabling their children to learn it.
“We encourage parents to continue bringing your kids to learn a very well spoken Global Language, French. I’m lucky that I learned French before learning English. So I can assure you, it’s a beautiful language,” Ambassador said.
He encouraged Ugandans to learn French, emphasizing that over 300 million people worldwide speak the language. He urged everyone to become part of this global French-speaking community.
During the event, he congratulated the awardees and encouraged attendees to read French books and continue learning the language.
Louise Bay, the Corporate Attachée for Education at the French Embassy, expressed gratitude on behalf of the embassy to the students for their dedication and passion for the French language.
She highlighted that learning French is not just about speaking the language but also about joining a global community that values peace and solidarity.
“The French language, spoken by over 300 million people around the world, connects us to a rich and diverse cultural heritage. But beyond the language itself, the Francophonie represents values that are deeply meaningful and relevant in today’s world. It is a community built on the principles of democracy, human rights, mutual respect, and cultural dialogue. By learning French, you are not only acquiring a new language but also joining a global family that values tolerance, peace, and solidarity among peoples,” Louise Bay said.
She commended the Alliance Française de Kampala for providing high-quality French language education and praised French language teachers in Uganda for their role as mentors and sources of inspiration for students.
Addressing the students, Louise Bay encouraged them to maintain their enthusiasm and curiosity in learning French, emphasizing that they are not just students of the language but also ambassadors of its values.
“To the students: this is your moment to shine. You have shown that you are not just learners of French but true ambassadors of the language and its values. As you move forward, I encourage you to continue your studies with the same enthusiasm and curiosity that you have demonstrated here today. The French language will open doors to new experiences, new perspectives, and new opportunities—both in Uganda and beyond,” she added.
She also reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to promoting French culture in Uganda.
Alfredine Mary Kasanda, a student at Seeta High School and one of the winners, expressed her gratitude for the program, stating that the recognition has further inspired her to learn French.
“This award means alot to me as it inspires me to do more French at A-level. I really want to learn French and i thank my teachers and my parents for the support.” She said.
In 2024, a total of 22 schools participated in the Njogera Français program, including six primary schools and 16 secondary schools.
According to the 2024 Njogera Français report, presented by Karim Cwinya’ay, the Course Coordinator and Projects Manager, the number of students participating in the competitions increased from 780 in 2023 to 823 in 2024. The report also revealed that more girls took part in the competition than boys, with 60% female participants compared to 40% male participants.
The awards ceremony took place at the Alliance Française de Kampala premises, where the 16 best performers from the DELF PRIM and DELF Junior 2024 examinations were awarded certificates, and the best-performing schools were recognized.
Additionally, the Njogera Français 2025 program was launched, with optimism that participation will continue to grow. For the 2025 edition, AFK aims to expand beyond the central region.
“This year, we shall visit the western region, the eastern region, and the southern region,” Karim Cwinya’ay announced.
AFK also expressed appreciation for its sponsors, including the Embassy of France in Uganda, Total Energies Uganda, SOGEA SATOM, CFAO Motors, Karveli, and Lapaire Uganda, for their continued partnership.
Speaking on behalf of French teachers in Uganda, Agatha Tumwine, the president of APFO, praised the program but highlighted the gap between the increasing number of students learning French and the limited number of teachers.
She urged the embassy to provide support to French teachers to ensure they are not left behind.
