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INTERNATIONAL FRANCOPHONIE DAY 🇫🇷 🇺🇬

Wednesday was International Francophonie Day, marked every March 20. To celebrate the day, the French Embassy in Uganda hosted a reception in the evening at the ambassador’s residence in Nakasero. 

While welcoming guests, the French Ambassador to Uganda, Xavier Sticker, highlighted the significance of French language education and its role in fostering international relations. 

“Though Uganda is not a Francophone country, it shares considerable borders with Francophone countries,” he said. 

Sticker emphasised that Ugandans have a lot to benefit from learning French, in addition to other foreign languages. 

Guests share a light moment during the function

In his opening remarks, the French ambassador announced that the summit of International Conference of Teachers of French in Africa and the Indian Ocean will be held in Kampala this year. 

“For this period, Kampala will be a Francophonie capital,” he quipped.

“France is interested in promoting multilingualism, not just for multicultural purposes, but it is also good for opening up business and opportunities.” 

Earlier this month, which is Francophonie month, Kampala hosted the regional French Study and Job fair at Ecole Française International in Lugogo — an event that drew more than 30 French universities and companies, attracting hordes of Ugandan students and young professionals. 

“The French companies that participated told me they were happy to tap into the considerable talent that attended the fair,” said Sticker.

He saluted the teachers and students who attended the Francophonie Day celebration, adding that Uganda has more than 20,000 students learning French, plus many more who have graduated over the decades. 

This year, more than 1000 students took the DELF examinations, with an 85% pass rate.

DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) is an internationally recognised qualification that demonstrates proficiency in French.

Helen Girama from Nabisunsa Girls Secondary School receives her prize and certificate from Alliance Française director Eric Touzé

'Bigger circle'

The Alliance Française de Kampala director, Eric Touze, outlined the history of Francophonie Day, saying it started with the signing of the Niamey Convention in Niger in 1970 with 21 countries. 

From 21 countries, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, has since grown to 88 member states to date. 

“When you learn French, you enter a bigger circle, especially in Africa,” said Touze. 

“You join the ranks of more than 350 million French speakers, including Uganda’s close neighbours DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.” 

He projected that by 2050, Africa will have the largest number of French speakers in the world – 85% of all French speakers will be in Africa.

The highlight of Wednesday evening was the presentation of DELF certificates to 15 members of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) who completed rigorous training in French language proficiency. 

“The UPDF officers here today earning their DELF certificates are adding an international dimension to their learning,” said Touze. 

“This opens up a world of training and co-operation opportunities in several other places such as Benin, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Yaounde (Cameroon), and the prestigious École militaire in Paris.

Seven winners of the Njogera Français inter-school competition from seven schools received prizes in addition to their certificates. 

The schools included Nabisunsa Girls’ Secondary School, Greenhill Academy, Makerere College, Ndejje Secondary School, Kitante, Acorns International School, and St Peter’s Nsambya. 

Joseph Isaac Obale, a teacher from Ndejje Secondary School, won a trip to Paris.

“It is with great pleasure that we are here to celebrate Francophonie Day and to celebrate the winners of the French language competitions,” said Touze. 

“As a former teacher myself, I know how it feels when your students are awarded. I would also like to recognize the teachers who taught the UPDF officers."

Students who won the Njogera Française competition, their parents, and teachers, pose for a picture with France’s ambassador

France’s ambassador to Uganda Xavier Sticker flanked by Algeria’s ambassador (L) and Rwanda’s ambassador (2nd-right) pose with UPDF soldiers and Police officers after receiving their awards

'French language is alive'

Maj. Denis Lubega, the coordinator of the Junior Staff College, Jinja – who gave his speech in French – congratulated the UPDF soldiers and Police officers upon receiving their diplomas. 

“Thanks to your hard work, dedication and perseverance, you have come out on top in this difficult challenge,” he said. 

“I would also like to thank the French Defence Cooperation Mission in Kampala, led by Lt Col Yan Chollet and his deputy – Chief Warrant Officer Ludovic Bridoux."

“Allow me offer my warmest thanks to His Excellency the French Ambassador for inviting us here today and honouring us with his presence at his residence, and of course to the Defence Mission and the AFK management, without whom this celebration would have no meaning this evening," added Lubega.

“This diploma alone is not a guarantee of the moments to come, it is above all a long journey that you have decided to undertake on the ‘France’ boat. It is now up to you to learn to sail, to practise, because the French language is alive, and will remain with you from now on for the rest of your lives."

Distinguished guests who attended the event included Algeria and Rwanda’s ambassadors to Uganda, representatives from Burundi’s embassy, top military brass, French language professors, and school directors.

In true French style, the ceremony concluded with a convivial cocktail, providing an opportunity for guests to network and engage in discussions centred around the theme of French language and the shared values of La Francophonie.