Francophonie month 2026 launched in Kampala

KAMPALA - The French Ambassador to Uganda, Virginie Leroy, together with several diplomats, has launched activities to mark Francophonie Month 2026 in Uganda.

The launch was held at the French Residence in Nakasero, Kampala, on Friday, February 27, 2026, under the theme “French Opens Doors.” Throughout March, Uganda will host a vibrant and diverse programme of cultural, educational and artistic events celebrating the French language and Francophone cultures.

March is globally dedicated to celebrating the diversity of the French language and the shared values of democracy, cultural dialogue and peace among the 93 member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).

The celebrations are organised by the embassies of France, Burundi, Belgium, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, South Korea and Rwanda, with support from leading Francophone institutions including Alliance Française de Kampala.

Agatha Tumwine (R) talking to Julie Feremans (First secretary, Consular and Political Affairss) Embassy of Belgium in Uganda during the launch of the Francophone month at the French Ambassador's residence in Nakasero, on February 27, 2026. (Credit: Hajarah Nalwadda)

Others are; the International French School of Kampala (EFIK), Campus France Uganda, the French Chamber of Commerce Uganda (FCCU), the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO), the Uganda-France Alumni Society (UFASO) and the Association of University French Clubs in Uganda (ACFUO).

The Francophonie brings together men and women who share a common language, French. It is estimated that more than 321 million people speak French across five continents.

As an institution, the OIF promotes the French language and fosters political, educational, economic and cultural cooperation among its member countries.

Ambassador Leroy said the French language plays a key role in promoting East African Community regional integration, trade and diplomacy, noting that it is an official language in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi.

“The demand for the French language is growing, reflecting its relevance today,” Leroy said. “French is a cultural asset and presents opportunities, particularly in business and professional sectors.”

Julie Feremans, First Secretary at the Embassy of Belgium in Uganda, said the month’s programme would feature lively activities, including performances by a Ukrainian-born guest artist at the Uganda National Theatre on March 27, 2026.

Jules Ndihokubwayo said the iconic Burundi drum would be showcased during the celebrations, describing it as a symbol of unity and harmony.

Virginie Leroy (4th L), Ambassador of France to Uganda hold hands with other diplomatic partners during the launch of the Francophone month at the French Ambassador's residence in Nakasero, on February 27, 2026. (Credit: Hajarah Nalwadda)

“The Burundi drum embodies unity and gives a voice to every member of the community. While society may focus on tension, the drum offers harmony in diversity. Each drum has its tone and role, and together they create a powerful symphony. Unity does not mean uniformity,” Ndihokubwayo said.

Mozer Fathi Abdel Aziz Mohamed Selim announced that Egypt will mark the occasion on March 11, 2026, with an Iftar dinner at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, showcasing Egyptian cuisine spanning over 500 years.

“You can have political discussions and disagreements over a delicious meal,” Selim said. He added that although Egypt is not historically a French-speaking country, it has embraced French as a cultural and educational tool, with many schools offering curricula certified by France.

“It is not a question of the language barrier, but what you choose to do with the language,” he said. Choi Heejo, Deputy Ambassador of South Korea to Uganda, noted that South Korea is an observer member of the OIF and shares the Francophonie spirit of bringing communities closer together.

Joseph Rutabana said French remains an important language in Rwanda, where official documents are produced and gazetted in three official languages: French, Kinyarwanda and English.

Dr Agatha Tumwine, president of the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO), said French is increasingly popular in schools but called for expanded access, especially in rural areas.

“Many students realise the value of French later in life, but by then it becomes more difficult to learn,” Tumwine said. She urged greater investment in French language teaching across the country.