French speakers to get more opportunities

Jun 21, 2016

The event comes at a time when Uganda is poised to open up more to the rest of East Africa

Speakers of the French language have more opportunities as the world gradually evolves into one global village.

The comments were made by Thierry Loussakoueno from Business France on Tuesday during the event on the promotion of language skills at Makerere University. 

Organised by the French Emabassy, Alliance Française Kampala and Makerere University, the event, code named "French, a vehicle of opportunities" attracted over 350 guests to the Makerere University Main Hall.

Dr Ernest Okello Ogwang, the Deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs at Makerere University, affirmed the University's commitment to the teaching of languages, noted that it as a way of empowering students to stand out with skills and communicate better.

The French Embassy's Stephano Campopiano pointed out that the event was not aimed at presenting French as the only, but as one of many options for both students and professionals who want to compete globally.

"It is not compulsory to learn French, but it is indeed worth learning so as to connect to the world," Campopiano said.

The event comes at a time when Uganda is poised to open up more to the rest of East Africa despite having much less teaching of Kiswahili which is used widely by Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi and French which is still used in Rwanda and Burundi.

r rnest kello gwang the akerere eputy ice hancellor for cademic ffairs addresses the participants Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang the Makerere Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs addresses the participants.

 

hierry oussakoueno conomic dvisor at the rench mbassy Thierry Loussakoueno, Economic Advisor at the French Embassy.

 

"Over 275 million people in the world speak French. It is the fifth most spoken language in the world and by 2050 there will be 700 million French-speakers with 85% of them in Africa. These are people Ugandans will need to do business. Therefore, French is a necessary option," Loussakoueno said. 

What the panellists said

"We believe that learning more languages increases employability of individuals as well as their chances of working or studying abroad. It improves communication within companies, prepares candidates for expatriation and helps to develop their presence on the African Market."

José-Maria Queiros the Director at Alliance Française Kampala

"In the case of our two intersecting regions of the African Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa, where Uganda   is centrally positioned as mediator in resolving several regional conflicts, it is imperative for us to have a conducive language policy for the affected parties and competent francophone experts who can serve the country whenever needed."

Dr. Edith Ruth Natukunda-Togboa, Senior lecturer in Languages Studies, Head of Department of European & Oriental Languages at Makerere University.

lavia tambi wanga the uman esources irector at irtel ganda weighs in on the panel discussion Flavia Ntambi Lwanga the Human Resources Director at Airtel Uganda weighs in on the panel discussion.

 

 


"I managed to get employed in West African countries including Sierra Leone because I added the French Language to my academic qualification in Health."

Kenneth Katumba, Ugandan Health Economist

"Like many other multinationals, my current employer has operations in many African countries, a number of which use French as their business language. Ability to understand and speak French adds to one's skills set in getting a good job, as well as exposure across borders." Flavia Ntambi Lwanga the Human Resources Director at Airtel Uganda

 "If we are talking regional integration, we have to embrace diversity of language. If we are talking Pan Africanism or continental engagement, we need the same. Communication with our counterparts in West Africa requires French." Solomon Kalema, New Vision

"French is a key requirement for majority organisations that we work with. In such organisations like the United Nations, one with French on their curriculum vitae has an added advantage." Peter Kisadha the Communications Manager at Everjobs

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