Summary:
- First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, revealed that the Ugandan government is pushing to make Kiswahili both compulsory and examinable in primary and secondary schools.
KISORO: A section of Kiswahili teachers in Kisoro District has expressed concern over a recent proposal to make Kiswahili a compulsory subject in schools, citing a shortage of qualified teachers.
This follows the 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 pushing to make Kiswahili both compulsory and examinable in primary and secondary schools.
Kadaga highlighted that Kiswahili has been recognized by Uganda’s Cabinet as an official language. She emphasized that as Kiswahili is widely spoken in the East African Community (EAC) and beyond, Uganda must expand its usage by ensuring it becomes a mandatory subject in schools.
However, Peace Ruzaza, the head teacher of Seseme Girls’ Secondary School, expressed doubts about the feasibility of this plan, pointing out that the school currently lacks a government-paid Kiswahili teacher.
CUE IN RUZAZA…….ON KISWAHILI……RR//
Similarly, Kiswahili language facilitators at Metropolitan International University, Kisoro campus, noted that the shortage of Kiswahili trainers could hinder the effectiveness of teaching the language in schools.
CUE IN FACILITATORS……ON TRAINERS……ENG//
On the other hand, Kiswahili students at Metropolitan International University, Kisoro campus, welcomed the proposal. They believe it will promote Kiswahili and facilitate cross-border trade through improved communication, given the language’s wide usage across East Africa.
CUE IN STUDENTS…..ON KISWAHILI……RR//
