Throughout March, Uganda will celebrate the French language and Francophone culture with a number 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.
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“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.
Eric Touze, 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 Packed with Events
The Francophonie Month features a variety of events across Uganda, beginning on March 1 with Apéro Francophone, an event organized by AFK to engage diverse communities in Kampala.
Key highlights of the celebrations include:
- March 7 – Njogera Française Interschool Competitions, where students and teachers of the French language will be awarded.
- March 8-11 – Entertainment events in various schools, organized by the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO).
- March 15 – A job and study fair, offering students opportunities to explore careers and education in French-speaking regions.
- March 22 – Francophone Festival at the International French School in Kampala, focusing on food, culture, and fashion.
- March 27 – Francophonie Concert at Alliance Française Kampala, serving as the grand finale of the celebrations.
All events are free and open to the public.
Agatha Tumwine, President of APFO, highlighted the significance of March for French-speaking communities worldwide, emphasizing the importance of engaging students and teachers in various activities.
“This month gives students of French at all levels and their teachers a chance to participate in cultural and academic events. As an Anglophone country, learning a foreign language in Uganda can be challenging, but these activities provide a platform for learners to practice and enhance their skills,” she said.
She added that 18 events are planned, allowing students to interact with peers from different schools and develop skills beyond the classroom.
“The celebrations are crucial for our learners. They get to practice French through speaking, poetry, drama, music, and dance—activities that contribute to their personal and professional growth,” she noted.
With a packed calendar of events, Uganda’s Francophonie Month promises to be a vibrant celebration of language, culture, and opportunity.
