Samarkand, Uzbekistan | Uganda has officially endorsed Tanzania’s initiative to have Kiswahili recognised as an official language of UNESCO’s General Conference, stressing that the move will strengthen Africa’s cultural heritage and improve global communication.
The position was presented by Uganda’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Doreen Ruth Amule, during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand.
In her address, Ambassador Amule described Tanzania’s proposal as forward-looking and reflective of Africa’s growing influence in international forums. She emphasized that Kiswahili is a language of unity and identity, bridging millions of speakers across the continent and promoting mutual understanding, regional cooperation, and cultural exchange.
“Uganda fully supports this initiative, recognising the value of Kiswahili in connecting diverse communities across Africa,” she said. “With more than 200 million speakers, Kiswahili plays a critical role in fostering dialogue, integration, and a shared African identity.”
Ambassador Amule also highlighted that Kiswahili already holds official status in the East African Community and the African Union, underlining its importance in advancing continental integration and the Pan-African vision of unity in diversity. She added that recognising Kiswahili at UNESCO would align with the organisation’s mission to promote linguistic diversity, cultural inclusion, and free exchange of ideas.
“This proposal is not merely symbolic,” Ambassador Amule stressed. “It ensures that millions of Africans can actively engage in UNESCO’s programmes and discussions in a language that reflects their culture and history.”
Uganda expressed appreciation to countries that have already endorsed the initiative, calling it a major step for Africa’s representation and intellectual contribution on the global stage. The effort aligns with broader continental momentum to elevate Kiswahili as a key African and global language.
Kiswahili, which originated on the East African coast, is widely spoken in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Rwanda, Burundi, and parts of southern Africa, becoming one of the continent’s strongest symbols of linguistic unity. The United Nations in 2022 declared July 7 as World Kiswahili Language Day, marking the first time an African language received such recognition.
During the same conference, Uganda also congratulated Mr. Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz on his appointment as UNESCO Director-General Elect. Ambassador Amule pledged Uganda’s full cooperation and support for his tenure and reaffirmed the country’s commitment as a new member of UNESCO’s Executive Board.
“Uganda remains dedicated to UNESCO’s values and objectives and will actively participate in promoting education, culture, science, and communication for sustainable development,” she said.
Mr. El-Enany, an Egyptian scholar and former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, was elected following the end of Ms. Audrey Azoulay’s term. His appointment has been welcomed by African and Arab nations, reflecting the continent’s growing influence in the global organisation.
Uganda’s engagement in this year’s General Conference underscores its commitment to supporting African-led initiatives that strengthen cultural identity, education, and unity on the international stage.