France has committed €288,000 (UGX 1.12 billion) to enhance French language education in Uganda through the French Education Fund (FEF), a two-year initiative launched in May.
The project, spearheaded by the French Embassy, Alliance Française de Kampala, and the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda, seeks to improve access to quality French education in Ugandan schools.
“This initiative will strengthen the presence of French in Uganda, train educators, and promote language proficiency and cultural exchange,” said Eric Touze, Executive Director of Alliance Française de Kampala.
A central focus of the project is training educators. Touze explained, “The idea is to train educators who will then pass on their knowledge by training their colleagues.”
Cyril Maman, Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the French Embassy, highlighted French as both a cultural asset and a development tool. “Mastering French opens doors to professional opportunities in francophone nations, fostering regional collaboration and cultural understanding,” he said.
Louise Bay, a project representative, pointed out that the FEF initiative responds to the rising demand for French education in Uganda. She noted that resources have lagged behind the growing interest.
“There are approximately 50,000 learners of French in Uganda. For many, the language is a gateway to opportunities in East Africa and beyond—whether in trade, culture, or education,” Bay said.
The project includes teacher capacity-building programs, provision of modern learning tools, and cultural activities to motivate students.
Pauline Dinet, Head of Courses at Alliance Française de Kampala, shared that the project aims to visit 20 secondary schools nationwide, with 15 of them set to receive awards for promoting French education.
“We’ve already visited four schools, reaching nearly 400 students, half of whom are girls. Inclusion and gender equality are core aspects of this initiative,” Dinet said.
Agatha Tumwine, President of the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda, confirmed that all French teachers will receive training under the project.
