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 recognizing 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 while English and Swahili are the dominant languages in Uganda, French is becoming 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.
Eric Touze, the Director of Alliance Française Kampala, 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.
A Month of Engaging Activities
Francophonie Month features a diverse lineup of events across Uganda, kicking off on March 1st with Apéro Francophone, an event by AFK aimed at engaging diverse communities in Kampala.
Other key events include:
March 7: Njogera Française Interschool Competitions – French language students and teachers will be recognized and awarded.
March 8-11: Entertainment events in various schools, organized by the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO).
March 15: Job and Study Fair.
March 22: Francophone Festival at the International French School in Kampala, showcasing food, culture, and fashion.
March 27: A grand Francophonie Concert at Alliance Française Kampala to close the celebrations.
All events are free and open to the public.
Agatha Tumwine, the President of APFO, highlighted the significance of March for French speakers worldwide. She noted that the month provides students and teachers with a unique opportunity to actively engage in language and cultural activities.
“March is a special month for French-speaking people everywhere. In Uganda, we ensure that students of French, from primary to university level, participate in various activities,” she said.
She added that with 18 planned events, students will have the opportunity to interact with peers from different schools, which is essential for practicing the language in an Anglophone country.
“Learning a foreign language in an English-speaking country can be challenging. These celebrations create a space where learners can practice French through speaking, poetry, drama, music, and dance, all of which contribute to their personal and professional development,” she added.
With an exciting array of cultural and educational activities, Francophonie Month in Uganda promises to be a vibrant celebration of the French language and its global significance.