The Teachers of French in Uganda led by Dr. Agatha Tumwine, President of the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO) have called on government of Uganda and relevant authorities to create an enabling environment to support teachers of French in Uganda so as to increase on their number.
Speaking at the International Day of Teachers of French that is celebrated all-over the world in November 21, Agatha noted that the numbers of teachers of French are relatively low as compared to the ratio rather the number of students in different institutions.
“Currently, we only have about 450 teachers of French in Uganda which is a bit low to effectively spread the word of French here in Uganda which includes among others, training of the French culture and language.”
Running under the theme: The Role of Teachers of French in the 21st Century in the Digital Era of New Technologies, the teachers of French in Uganda who marked their day on Saturday November 23 at Kyambogo University, highlighted the significance of celebrating the role they play in not only teaching French just for passing exams but as a link to the international trade and employability as well.
To kickstart the celebrations, the team engaged in a community cleaning exercise that saw teachers, officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and local leaders join hands to clean Banda Market and its surroundings. This according to Dr. Agatha is a clear showcase of values of French educators, extending their commitment beyond the classroom to foster community hygiene and well-being.
Officiating the Day’s celebration, Janya Obrecht, Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy in Uganda acknowledged the role teachers of French play in promoting the French language, highlighting its importance as a vital link between Uganda and France. Obrecht reaffirmed the France’s commitment to supporting French education in Uganda, pledging resources to elevate French language teaching.
Bridget Mugume, Dean of Students at Kyambogo University, explained Kyambogo’s efforts in promoting French, including the establishment of a French Corner in the library and a thriving French Club, thanks to the support of the French Embassy despite the low number of French students and teachers. Mugume however, stressed the need for the French platform.
“We need a platform for French Teachers to publish their work as opposed to publishing it in the English platforms, hence mutilating it.”
Louise Bay, Cooperation attaché for Education at the French Embassy in Uganda re-echoed France’s continued support towards Uganda as far as education is concerned.
Bay recounts financing the French government has over the years given to Uganda with the major aim of strengthening the French language and education in Uganda hence strengthening ties between Uganda and France, the more.
“Just of recent, the French government 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.”
Bay added, “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.”
