By Spy Uganda
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has announced the celebration of International Mother Language Day, which will be held at Makerere University Main Hall on Friday, 20th February. The event, marking the worldwide observance on 21st February, aims to promote linguistic diversity, multilingualism, and the preservation of Uganda’s indigenous languages.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, Hon. Dr. Mutuuzo Peace Regis, Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs, said this year’s theme is “Languages Matter: Harnessing Technology to Document and Develop Uganda’s Indigenous Languages.” She emphasized that education in one’s mother tongue is crucial for quality learning and cultural preservation, aligning with Uganda’s policy of teaching children in their first language up to Primary 4.
“This celebration seeks to showcase the achievements of mother language education at Makerere University and encourage dialogue among national scholars and stakeholders of language and culture,” Dr. Mutuuzo said. She added that the event will bring together political and cultural leaders, educators, publishers, policymakers, translators, and interpreters to discuss issues in language education, cultural preservation, and technological innovation.
The Ministry, in partnership with Makerere University’s School of Languages, Literature, and Communication, will use the occasion to exhibit research outputs on Uganda’s indigenous languages and officially launch the teaching of Lusoga at the university.
Dr. Mutuuzo highlighted that Uganda’s multilingualism, with over 40 languages, is a valuable resource for the country’s social, political, economic, and scientific development. The Ministry works to safeguard mother tongues through policy development, community engagement, and collaboration with academic and cultural institutions, ensuring that Uganda’s linguistic diversity continues to foster pride, unity, and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
At a continental level, Uganda’s language initiatives align with the African Union’s vision of promoting African languages as drivers of integration and socio-economic transformation. The Ministry collaborates with the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) and academic institutions to strengthen research, documentation, and revitalization of indigenous languages.
The event will be graced by His Majesty the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, as Guest of Honour. Dr. Mutuuzo expressed gratitude to all partners, including the Ministry of Education and Sports, cultural institutions, the National Curriculum Development Centre, and Makerere University, for supporting the promotion of Uganda’s languages and cultures.
International Mother Language Day was first announced by UNESCO in 1999 and formally recognized by the United Nations in 2002. It is observed annually on 21st February to raise awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide.
“The celebration reaffirms Uganda’s commitment to safeguarding linguistic heritage as a foundation for dignity, cultural identity, social cohesion, and inclusive national development,” Dr. Mutuuzo concluded.
