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A group of 300 students, who have been training in the Kiswahili language at the NRM headquarters, have been sent on a 7-day field study tour to the United Republic of Tanzania. The flag-off ceremony took place at the Ministry’s offices at Kingdom Kampala and was overseen by Minister of State for East African Community Affairs, Hon. James Ikuya Magode. NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong also attended the event.
Minister Magode highlighted the significance of the event, describing it as a milestone for the National Kiswahili program. The aim of the study tour is to provide students with an immersive experience in a native Kiswahili-speaking environment. This, according to Magode, will enhance their vocabulary and proficiency in the language, thereby supporting the government’s goal of fostering a Kiswahili-speaking culture among Ugandans.
In 2021, the East African Community Summit and the Council of Ministers adopted a policy making Kiswahili an official language alongside English and French. Uganda’s cabinet has also made Kiswahili a compulsory subject in schools and institutions.
Magode noted that the Kiswahili program, which started with a class of 30 students last year, has now expanded to over 700 learners who meet at the NRM headquarters twice a week. He expressed his satisfaction with the growth of the program and its impact on language skills.
NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong explained that the initiative was launched in response to President Museveni’s call for accelerating the East African Federation. The program aims to help Ugandans overcome communication barriers and promote Kiswahili within the region. Todwong emphasized the program’s objective to create a cadre of Kiswahili speakers who can contribute meaningfully to national development.
The first intake of students is expected to graduate next month, with a ceremony likely to be attended by President Yoweri Museveni. Kiswahili class Coordinator Mr. Steven Bwire mentioned that the learners are now proficient in Kiswahili and will soon be involved in teaching the language to the broader public. He also noted that the program includes training in patriotism and good governance, which has prepared the learners for additional responsibilities and national service.
The ankole times