Throughout March, Uganda will celebrate the French language and Francophone culture with a series of festive events organized by various stakeholders.
Spearheaded by the Embassy of France and its partners, the celebrations aim to promote cultural exchange and highlight the growing importance of the French language in Uganda.
The Francophonie month was officially launched at Alliance Française Kampala (AFK), marking the beginning of cultural activities that will take place across the country.
Speaking at the launch, Cyril Maman, Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of France, emphasized that the month is not only about celebrating the language of France but also about acknowledging the millions of French speakers worldwide.
“Francophonie is deeply connected to the French language. When I speak of French, I am not only referring to my language or that of the French people, but to the 320 million people across five continents who use it today,” he said.
Maman further noted that despite English and Swahili being the dominant languages in Uganda, French has become increasingly relevant due to regional economic integration and growing international trade opportunities.
“French is more than just a language; it is an opportunity. For Ugandan youth, mastering French can open doors to regional trade, international mobility, and professional opportunities in Francophone countries,” he added.
The Director of Alliance Française Kampala, Eric Touze, expressed gratitude for the month-long celebrations, noting that they serve as a platform to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the presence of the French language in Uganda.
The Francophonie Month features a variety of events in different regions of Uganda, starting on March 1st with “Apéro Francophone,” an event organized by AFK to engage diverse communities in Kampala.
Other key events include, March 7; Njogera Française Interschool Competitions Students and teachers of the French language will be awarded, March 8th-11th: Entertainment events in various schools, organized by the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO).
Additionally, on 15, the job and study fair, on 22, Francophone festival at International French School in Kampala where food culture and fashion will be at the centre stage.
The Francophonie Month will climaxed with a Francophonie concert on 27, March at Alliance Française Kampala. All events are free and open to the public.
Agatha Tumwine, the president of Association of Teachers of French in Uganda(APFO) said that the March is a special month for French speaking people wherever they are in the world.
She added that this month being a month full of activities, it gives students of French at all levels and teachers a chance to participate in various activities.
“March is a special month for French speaking people wherever they are in the world. So Uganda also not left out, especially for schools, as you were all aware, up for is a National Association of Teachers of French in Uganda. It brings together teachers who teach in primary schools, secondary schools, tertiary institutions and universities. So we also use this month to make sure that learners of French in Uganda participate in the different activities,” she said
She added that they will have 18 events and these events are so important to them as students will have a chance to interact with others from various schools stating that Uganda being an Anglophone country learning a local language isn’t easy as it this will help them gather and practice.
“We shall be organizing about 18 events, and these celebrations, they are important for our students, our learners countrywide, because Uganda is an Anglophone country, so learning a foreign language in English speaking sometimes it’s hard. So this is a moment where learners come together practice their French through speaking and various activities, including performing arts, especially through poetry, through drama activities, music, dance, which also helps to for personal and human development, that builds other develops other skills and competencies for learners,” she added.
