Uganda Joins World in Celebrating Kiswahili Language Day

Today, 7^th July 2022, Uganda joins the rest of the World in celebrating the World Kiswahili Day also known as “Siku Ya Kiswahili Duniani” with the theme being, “Appreciate, Adopt and Apply the only African International Language for Peace and Integration.”

This comes just days after Uganda adopted Kiswahili as an official language and is to be taught in schools. Cabinet on Tuesday 5^th July, approved that Kiswahili be taught in schools following the approved directives on the implementation of the 21st East African Community (EAC) summit in Uganda to adopt Kiswahili as an official language of the community.

The cabinet sitting on Monday 4th July 2022 also recommended that the teaching of Kiswahili language in primary and secondary schools should be made compulsory and examinable, according to minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi.

The World Kiswahili Day was officially declared by UNESCO member states in its 41^st Session in 2021 that sat in Paris.

Kiswahili continues to be a widely spoken language in Africa. It was also the only African language that was endorsed for the African Union.

Ugandans have been urged by different stakeholders to embrace, adopt it and apply in their day to day interactions.

For many years Kiswahili was only identified and embraced as the language of the Military. The language was highly associated with commands during home raids such as “Fungua mlango!” (“Open the door!”), or “Piga risasi!” (“Shoot!”) during the Idi Amin Regime in  1971 to 1979.

Amin ruled as a military dictator and is considered one of the most ruthless tyrants in world history.  This has since changed with the transformation and revolutionalization of the army from Uganda National Liberation Army to Uganda People’s Defense Forces under H.E President Yoweri Museveni.

Today, Kiswahili is used for unity and erasing tribalism. Speaking the same language will promote brotherhood in the greater East African region.