Ugandan professor elected to top francophone teaching body in global first
“Uganda now has a seat at the table where global language education policies are being shaped,” said Atcero.
Professor Professor Milburga Atcero (pink dress) and Dr Agathe Tumwine, president of the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO). (Courtesy photos)
By Jacky Achan
Journalists @New Vision
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Uganda has made history on the international stage of French language education.
Professor Milburga Atcero, a respected French language educator from Uganda, was elected First Vice President of the Commission for Africa and the Indian Ocean (CAOI) during the 16th World Congress of Teachers of French held in Besançon, France, from July 10 to 17, 2025.
Her election marks a groundbreaking moment. She becomes the first Ugandan to serve on the Administrative Council of the International Federation of French Teachers (FIPF), one of the most influential organisations shaping French language education globally.
The Ugandan delegation, led by Dr Agathe Tumwine, president of the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO), stood out not only for its professionalism and passion but also for this landmark achievement.
The Ugandan delegation of Teachers of French in France.
“Uganda now has a seat at the table where global language education policies are being shaped,” she said.
This year’s congress carried the theme “Francophone Utopias in All Genres”. It united French educators from over 180 countries. Held at the historic University of Franche-Comté, a 600-year-old institution deeply rooted in linguistic and academic traditions, the event was a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and shared dreams.
During the opening ceremony, Besançon’s mayor, Anne Vignot, set the tone with a message that stuck with many: “Utopia is realism.” She praised the role of language in connecting people and cultures and spoke of linguistic diversity as humanity’s greatest wealth.
“Languages nourish each other,” she said, “and defending languages means defending diversity.”
University President Hugues Daussy echoed these sentiments, highlighting the university’s central role in promoting the French language and its strong ties to international students and educators.
“French is a language of sharing, commerce, and identity,” he said, positioning Besançon not just as a venue but as a symbol of global francophone unity.
Paul de Sinety from France’s Ministry of Culture spoke of the French government’s continued commitment to teachers and language promotion, praising FIPF President Cynthia Eid for her leadership.
The Organisation of International Francophonie (OIF), represented by Nivine Khaled, reinforced its dedication to a multilingual future and shared its ongoing efforts to empower youth and women in education.
New international partnerships bloomed throughout the congress. Wallonie-Bruxelles International announced 40 scholarships, and Quebec reaffirmed its love for the French language.
Institutions like the French Academy, the University of Ottawa, the Academy of Montpellier, and Francophonia also contributed to training programmes, competitions, and exchanges, building a truly global ecosystem for French language education.
And the momentum isn't slowing down. Organisers announced that the 17th Congress will take place in Pune, India, in 2029, an exciting shift that reflects the expanding reach of French in non-traditional francophone regions.
For the Ugandan team, the congress didn't end in Besançon. On July 18, they visited Uganda’s embassy in France to share insights and discuss future collaboration. From there, they headed to Nice for additional training at Francophonia, a renowned language and teacher development centre, where they will continue their learning journey until July 26, supported by scholarships from the centre.
Dr Tumwine, who is also a lecturer in the Department of European and Oriental Languages at Makerere, said Professor Atcero’s election is more than a personal achievement; it’s a milestone for East Africa and a recognition of Uganda’s growing role in multilingual education.
“It also gives Africa a stronger voice in shaping how French is taught and shared across the world.” She says as the Francophone world looks ahead to 2050, with projections of even more French speakers globally, the importance of forums like this one cannot be overstated.
“Uganda’s success in Besançon proves that with vision, collaboration, and committed educators, even the most ambitious dreams can take root and flourish.”