Francophonie activities are a highlight on Uganda’s cultural calendar every March, as the country joins the global French-speaking community to celebrate French language and culture.
This year’s festivities kicked off with excitement on Saturday at the Alliance Française in Kampala, marking the launch of Francophonie Month.
Eric Touzé, the director of Alliance Française, outlined the lineup of events for this year’s celebration, which includes the Njogera Français competition, a job and study fair, school programs across the region, and a grand Francophonie concert on March 27.
A guest tasting Congolese’s food during Francophonie Apero on the occasion of the Francophonie month launch at Alliance Francaise Kampala. Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda
“March is Francophonie Month, a time to celebrate the French language and Francophone cultures through cultural activities held worldwide. Beyond the language, which is spoken by over 300 million people, Francophonie represents shared values. We invite everyone to join us in these celebrations,” Touzé said.
The festivities will begin on March 7 with the Njogera Français awards ceremony at Alliance Française, aimed at motivating learners and teachers of French in Uganda. The competition promotes DELF Prim, DELF Junior, and DELF TP certifications in primary and secondary schools offering French language training.
This will be followed by a job and study fair at the French School Kampala on Lugogo Bypass, before other activities unfold throughout the month. The celebrations will culminate in a closing concert on March 27, featuring artists from French-speaking countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Centre, Cyril Maman (Head of Cooperation, French embassy) speaking during the press briefing on the occasion of the Francophonie month launch at Alliance Francaise Kampala. Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda
During the Francophone Rendezvous event, guests savored Congolese and Burundian cuisine. The Burundian tent offered delicacies such as Viande Beef (salad and samosas), chicken, beignets, and crepes, while the Congolese tent served dishes like Sombe (cassava leaves), Makayabo (dry fish), Tomosn, Ngai, Foufou, Haricots, plantains, and rice.
These festivities are part of a broader program organized throughout March to celebrate Francophonie in Uganda, courtesy of the Embassy of France and its partners. March 20, the International Day of La Francophonie, is a special highlight, dedicated to celebrating the French language, its richness, diversity, and modernity.
