Francophonie Day in Uganda highlights growing role of French language

Ugandans joined the global community in celebrating the International Day of the Francophonie on March 20, 2025. This annual observance highlights the richness, diversity, and modern relevance of the French language.

The International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF) was founded on 20 March 1970 in Niamey, Niger. Today, it unites 93 member states and governments worldwide. March has since been designated "Francophonie Month," a time dedicated to celebrating the French language and the diverse cultures of the Francophone world through various cultural events held globally.

In Uganda, the French Embassy hosted a special event at the residence of Ambassador Xavier Sticker in Nakasero, Kampala, on the same day. The event honoured Ugandans who have made significant contributions to promoting and teaching French. Awards were presented to students and teachers who read poems on the theme of environmental protection. Ugandan officers from the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) and Uganda Police Force who had completed French language courses also received certificates. Guests were treated to artistic performances that celebrated the cultural influence of the French language.

Xavier Sticker (right), Ambassador of France to Uganda, awarding a French language certificate to UPDF officer Daniel Okello. Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda

Ambassador Sticker underscored the importance of learning languages. "We all have our languages, and all languages are equal. Learning an additional language opens doors to new communities and experiences. Even languages like Latin, often considered obsolete, can offer great value. I have learned Latin myself," he said.

Throughout March, various celebrations will continue across Uganda as part of Francophonie Month. These events are being organised in collaboration with the French Embassy, Alliance Française Kampala, International French School Kampala, Campus France Uganda, the French Chamber of Commerce Uganda, and the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO).

Ambassador Sticker highlighted that Francophonie represents more than just a shared language spoken by over 300 million people worldwide. It also embodies core values such as democracy, human rights, cultural dialogue, mutual recognition, tolerance, and peace.

Students and teachers who received prizes for presenting poems in French on protecting the planet.

French is now the fifth most spoken language in the world and the fourth most used on the internet. It is also one of the official languages of the East African Community (EAC), alongside English and Swahili. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) entry into the EAC has significantly increased the number of French speakers in the region.

A statement from the French Embassy, issued by press attaché Alfred Onek, highlighted the growing importance of French in Uganda. "In Uganda, speaking French is an asset for employability," the statement noted. To improve the quality of French education, the French Embassy is working with local institutions to train teachers across the country.

The ongoing training programme, which runs until 2026, aims to strengthen Uganda’s network of French language instructors. Currently, 280 teachers are participating, with the programme expected to benefit 1,500 students annually.

UPDF and police officers with French Ambassador Xavier Sticker after receiving certificates at the ambassador’s residence in Kampala.

Beyond education, France is also supporting French language training for Ugandan soldiers. Courses ranging from beginner (A1-A2) to intermediate (B1-B2) levels are being offered at the Jinja Command and Staff College.

These courses cover both general French and specialised military vocabulary, preparing Ugandan officers for deployments in French-speaking regions or joint training with Francophone African nations. Outstanding officers may even have the opportunity to attend the prestigious École de Guerre (War School) in Paris.

This collaboration is key to fostering mutual understanding among military personnel, particularly during missions in French-speaking countries such as the DRC or in UN peacekeeping operations.

As French continues to gain prominence in Uganda and the broader East African region, the celebration of Francophonie Day serves as a reminder of the powerful role language plays in connecting cultures and facilitating international cooperation.