The Director of the Institute of Language Studies at Kabale University, Prof. Manuel Muranga, has criticized parents who discourage their children from speaking their mother tongue, saying the practice undermines children’s confidence and erodes Africa’s cultural identity.
Prof. Muranga made the remarks on Saturday while officiating at the launch of A Teenager’s Fate, a book authored by Amos Muhanguzi, a teacher in Lira District. The event was held at the Prof. Mutebile Research Institute Building on the Kabale University campus.
He said children who speak and understand their mother tongue develop greater self-confidence, stronger communication skills, and a deeper sense of identity. Prof. Muranga added that Africa’s true independence and patriotism can only be fully realized when people embrace, preserve, and promote indigenous languages.
He also challenged African authors to write books in their native languages, noting that many of the world’s celebrated writers gained international recognition by producing literary works in their own languages.
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Kabale Resident District Commissioner Maj. Godfrey Katamba urged Africans to cultivate a stronger reading culture, observing that many people spend little time reading literature, which limits their knowledge and personal development.
He also encouraged authors and students to remain true to their values and principles, saying integrity is demonstrated through consistent actions and character.
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Author Amos Muhanguzi, a former student of Kabale University, said he was inspired to write A Teenager’s Fate to encourage young people not to allow their backgrounds or life circumstances to define their future.
He said the book carries a message of hope, resilience, and determination, urging learners to remain focused on their dreams despite the challenges they may encounter.
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