STAFF REPORTER
A section of Kiswahili teachers in Kisoro District has raised concerns about a recent proposal to make Kiswahili a compulsory subject in schools, citing a shortage of qualified teachers.
This follows an announcement by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, who revealed that the Ugandan government is moving to make Kiswahili both compulsory and examinable in primary and secondary schools. Kadaga highlighted that Kiswahili has been recognized as an official language by Uganda’s Cabinet. She emphasized the importance of expanding the use of Kiswahili in Uganda, given its wide use within the East African Community (EAC) and beyond, by making it a mandatory subject in schools.
However, Peace Ruzaza, the headteacher of Seseme Girls’ Secondary School, expressed doubts about the practicality of this plan, pointing out that the school currently does not have a government-paid Kiswahili teacher.
Similarly, Kiswahili language facilitators at Metropolitan International University, Kisoro campus, noted that the shortage of Kiswahili trainers could hinder effective teaching of the language in schools.
On the other hand, Kiswahili students at Metropolitan International University, Kisoro campus, welcomed the proposal. They believe it will promote Kiswahili and enhance cross-border trade through improved communication, given the language’s wide use across East Africa.
