Assoc. Prof. Milburga Atcero, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, Hospitality, and Languages speaking at the French Camp Calufu West Nile

August 31, 2025 – The Faculty of Tourism, Hospitality, and Languages at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) emerged as a key player in advancing French language education in Uganda. As one of the recognized French-teaching institutions, the Faculty is at the forefront of strengthening French Instruction in secondary schools and institutions of higher learning across the country.

This leadership role was evident during the French Camp Calufu West Nile Region 2025, held on, at St. Mary’s Ediofe Girls Secondary School in Arua. Themed “Enhancing Soft Skills among Young Learners of French in Uganda in the 21st Century,” the camp brought together educators, stakeholders, and students to highlight the importance of French as a tool for opportunity, not colonial influence. Currently, over 1,000 students across 18 secondary schools, five primary schools, and several tertiary institutions in West Nile are studying French, supported by a network of approximately 50 trained teachers. Notable schools in Arua City offering French include Arua Public Secondary School, Mvara Secondary School, St. Mary’s Ediofe, and Muni Girls. French as a Strategic Asset, Not Neo-Colonialism

Addressing claims that teaching French promotes neo-colonialism, Assoc. Prof. Milburga Atcero, Dean of the Faculty at MUBS, firmly dismissed the narrative.

“French is an opportunity, not oppression. The idea that teaching French equates to neo-colonialism is not only outdated but also limits our youth,” she stated. “Spoken by over 300 million people worldwide and recognized as an official language of the UN, African Union, and East African Community, French opens doors in diplomacy, international business, and education. I know someone who missed a job in Finland,an English-speaking country because they didn’t speak French, which was a job requirement.”

Assoc. Prof. Atcero reiterated MUBS’s commitment to equipping students with global languages that provide a competitive edge in today’s job market. French Opens Doors, Locally and Globally Mathilde Pigeon, Director of Courses at Alliance Française de Kampala, emphasized that French proficiency is not limited to casual conversation but is a globally verifiable skill. “Through DELF certifications like B1 or B2, learners can prove their fluency to employers or institutions, whether in Kampala or Paris. It goes far beyond just ‘Bonjour.’”

Isabelle Driciru, Regional Coordinator for French Language in West Nile, also pushed back against negative perceptions. “French is not about colonizing Africa, it is about empowering our youth. In West Nile, we often assist Congolese traders who cross the border daily. In fact, we have started teaching French to local business people to improve communication and trade.” French has also become increasingly relevant in Uganda’s strategic industries. Arua City Resident Commissioner, Salim Kumakech, noted that many Ugandans with training in oil engineering and law have benefited from learning French,especially as French-speaking companies expand their investments in Uganda.

“From the oil sector to international NGOs, French speakers are in demand. Even support staff in these industries gain an advantage by knowing the language,” he said. Educators and stakeholders concluded the camp by calling on parents, students, and policymakers to embrace French not as a foreign burden, but as a strategic asset for Uganda.

With the country’s proximity to French-speaking nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo, and growing international trade and investment, French is becoming a vital language for economic and diplomatic success.

Through its active role in teacher training, curriculum development, and advocacy, MUBS’s Faculty of Tourism, Hospitality, and Languages continues to lead national efforts to integrate French education into Uganda’s academic landscape, empowering students to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.

Assoc. Prof. Milburga Atcero together some students and teachers during the French Camp Calufu West Nile Region 2025