The Ministry of East African Community Affairs (MEACA) has announced that the pilot launch of District Kiswahili Learning and Teaching Focal Centres will take place in Jinja City on October 2, 2024.
Speaking on behalf of Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the State Minister Hon. James Magode emphasized that the primary aim of these centres is to integrate Kiswahili language learning into the government’s broader rollout of the Kiswahili programme across districts.
“We will soon provide detailed information to the public on where to locate Kiswahili Centres at the Local Government level,” Kadaga stated.
This announcement came during a ceremony at the ministry headquarters on Thursday, where a select group of Kiswahili learners was flagged off for a seven-day tour of Tanzania and Zanzibar. The tour aims to immerse the learners in an authentic Kiswahili-speaking environment, enhancing their fluency and understanding of the language.
The State Minister MEACA together with Richard Todwong at the Ministry headquarters on Thursday ( photo by MEACA)
Kiswahili was declared an official language of East Africa, alongside English and French, through a policy passed by the East African Community Summit and the Council of Ministers. In response, MEACA, in partnership with the NRM Secretariat, launched the Kiswahili Programme on September 13, last year. Initially starting with 30 students, the programme has since grown to 700 learners.
“This Kiswahili programme is supported by a team of competent facilitators who have developed a comprehensive study curriculum. The modules are designed for a 12-month study duration, culminating in an academic certificate in Kiswahili Language, awarded by an accredited institution,” explained Kadaga.
The first intake of students is nearing the end of their course and will graduate at a grand ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds on September 27, 2024. The event will be presided over by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong assured the public that the Secretariat will continue to host the programme and encouraged Ugandans to apply when the next intake opens.
“We hold classes once a week, with weekend options available for those with tight schedules. We welcome everyone, regardless of religion, political affiliation, or tribe,” Todwong affirmed.
When asked about the inclusion of opposition members in the programme, Todwong stressed that it is open to all Ugandans. He also highlighted the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, where learners participate in a 10-day ideological mentorship program, which is a government facility accessible to everyone.
“I can testify that our Kiswahili learners left Kyankwanzi with a transformed mindset, ready to embrace the President’s vision of wealth creation, poverty eradication, and socio-economic transformation through commercial agriculture, industry, services, and ICT,” said Todwong.
The Kyankwanzi retreat aims to align learners’ mindsets with the national development agenda, focusing not only on Kiswahili proficiency but also on empowering individuals to contribute to the nation’s socio-economic progress.
“Our goal is to train well-rounded cadres who are proficient in Kiswahili and are equipped to drive national development,” emphasized the organizers.
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Government to Launch First Kiswahili District Center in October
