By Shiba Nakakande.
March is recognized as a Francophonie month with a series of events in memorization of the French language across the world.
On 7th March 2025, the Njogera Francaise students’ inter-school competitions were held at the Alliance Française Kampala, where French-speaking students and teachers were rewarded with laptops, tablets, and trips to France.
This year 22 schools participated, with 16 secondary schools and six primary schools, and an increase in the number of students as well, from 780 in 2024 to 830 students.
Mukisa Precious emerged as the overall winner from Delf Junior, a French language exam for teenagers from Seeta High School, Agha Khan Primary School, Galaxy International School, Ambrosoli International School, Kisubi Seminary School, Hillside Nursery and Primary School, and St. Mary’s College Kisubi.
This year’s competitions for secondary schools were in line with the competency-based lower secondary curriculum, where students are tasked with putting their creativity to the test when responding to questions. They were given scenario-based questions responding to real-world problems attempted in French.
According to Agatha Tumwine, the President of the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda, they are targeting to ensure that French is taught in all Ugandan schools because of the opportunities associated with
it.
She added the importance of activities that bring students together, encouraging them to learn the language, and also called upon sponsors to recognize teachers to endeavor for these students to learn French.
“Where learners come together to practice their French through speaking and various activities, including performing arts, especially through poetry, through drama activities, music, and dance, which also helps to for personal and human development, that builds other skills and competencies for learners,” she explained.
More events in celebration of the Francophonie month are still going on entertainment in schools till 11th March, organized by APFO, Job and Study Fair on 15th March at the International French School Kampala, Francophonie Festival on March 22 at the International French School Kampala, showcasing Francophone food, culture, and fashion, and a Francophonie Concert on 27th March summing it all up at Alliance Française Kampala, culminating the celebrations.
