The French government has allocated €288,000 (Shs1,123,776,000) to promote French language education in Uganda through the French Education Fund (FEF), a two-year project launched way back in May 2024.
The initiative, implemented by the French Embassy, Alliance Française de Kampala, and the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO), aims to enhance access to high-quality French language education in Ugandan schools.
While re-affirming the project, Eric Touze, Head of Alliance Française in Kampala, said that, “The project will strengthen French language presence in Uganda, train educators, and foster language proficiency and cultural exchange. The idea is to train the educators, such that the educator that we train will train their colleagues.”
Speaking at the event, Cyril Maman, Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the French Embassy, highlighted that French is not only a cultural asset but also a powerful tool for development.
“French is more than a language. It’s an opportunity for Uganda’s youth, and mastering French can be a pathway to regional trade, international mobility, and professional opportunities in Francophonie countries.”
Corporation attaché for Education, Louise Bay remarked that the FEF project aims at increasing call for French language education in Uganda which has been faced with inadequate resources among other challenges.
“There are approximately 50,000 learners of French in Uganda, and for many, the language represents a gateway to opportunities in East Africa and beyond, whether for trade, culture, or education. The FEF project will as well enhance capacity-building programs for teachers, modern learning tools, and cultural activities to inspire students among others.
Pauline Dinet, Head of Courses at Alliance Française de Kampala, said the project will visit 20 secondary schools across the country, with 15 schools receiving awards for promoting French education.
“As of now, we have visited four schools out of those 20,” Dinet said. “Almost 400 students have benefited from those activities so far, and I have to mention that half of them were girls, because inclusion and gender equality is a key aspect of this project.”
According to Dr. Agatha Tumwine, the President of the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO) the project, as well focuses on strengthening and reenergizing all teachers of French through training among others.
