The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs recommends that the Uganda National Kiswahili Council be placed under the Ministry of Education and Sports, identifying it as the appropriate institution to advance the Kiswahili language. James Mutabazi, the Undersecretary in the Defence Ministry, explained that their stance is based on the ministry’s role in curriculum development and its broader oversight function in the education sector.
“The Uganda National Kiswahili Bill, 2023 does not explicitly designate the minister responsible for Kiswahili, nor does it clarify which ministry will house the council. The council would be most effectively situated within the Ministry of Education and Sports, given its responsibility for language education and curriculum development,” Mutabazi stated.
Mutabazi made these remarks while addressing the Committee on Gender, Labour, and Social Development on Wednesday, 21 August 2024, where the Defence Ministry presented its recommendations on the Uganda National Kiswahili Council Bill, 2023. The Bill was introduced to Parliament on 28 February 2024 for its First Reading. It aims to promote the use of the Kiswahili language in administrative, judicial, and legislative processes as a medium of communication for local governments.
The Bill also seeks to establish the council’s secretariat, to be led by an executive secretary, provide for the council’s funding and auditing, and set regulations for the council’s staff.
Led by the State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Sarah Mateke, the officials noted that the Education Ministry would collaborate with other government entities, such as the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, which already offers Kiswahili programs.
“Kiswahili is one of the subjects taught at NALI; anyone who has trained there has studied and been evaluated in Kiswahili,” said Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko (UPDF Representative).
The Defence Ministry also suggested that the council’s establishment of the Kiswahili Commission should be seen as a means of fostering unity among Uganda’s diverse ethnic groups and, ultimately, the cohesion of the eight-member East African Community.
Kyotera District Woman Representative, Hon. Fortunate Rose Nantongo, supported the proposal to have the Education Ministry host the National Kiswahili Council, recognizing its influence over schools with a broad audience.
“The ministry is responsible for curriculum development from nursery through to university. I believe they are well-equipped to promote the language; they have the largest audience, considering the number of children in schools. When children learn a language at a young age, it is highly likely they will embrace it,” she remarked.
MPs requested the Defence Ministry to justify its representation on the Kiswahili Council as proposed in the bill.
“We need to understand your role as representatives on the Council. What value will you bring, and what will be your contribution?” asked Nakaseke Central County MP, Hon. Allan Mayanja.
Hon. Innocent Kiyaga (NUP, Mawokota County North) inquired about the military’s strategies for promoting Kiswahili, which has long been one of the army’s operational languages.
“We are discussing the methods for promoting Kiswahili to the broader population. I want to understand how the army has successfully adopted Kiswahili as its language. Do we mandate it for the public, and should it be made compulsory in schools?” Kiyaga questioned.
