Samarkand, Uzbekistan | Uganda has voiced firm support for a proposal by the United Republic of Tanzania to have Kiswahili recognised as an official language of the General Conference of UNESCO, saying the initiative will strengthen Africa’s cultural identity and enhance inclusive global communication.
Uganda’s position was delivered by Ambassador Doreen Ruth Amule, the country’s Envoy to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference currently taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
In her address to delegates and representatives from around the world, Ambassador Amule described Tanzania’s proposal as “constructive, forward-looking, and reflective of Africa’s growing voice in multilateral forums.”
“The Republic of Uganda fully associates itself with this important initiative, recognising the significance of Kiswahili as a language of unity, identity, and wider communication across Africa,” she said. “With over 200 million speakers, Kiswahili serves as a vital bridge between diverse peoples – promoting regional and international cooperation, mutual understanding and cultural exchange.”
Ambassador Amule further noted that Kiswahili’s existing status as an official language of both the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU) affirms its importance in advancing continental integration and the Pan-African vision of unity in diversity.
She added that adopting Kiswahili at UNESCO would align perfectly with the organisation’s broader mission to promote linguistic diversity, cultural inclusion and the free exchange of ideas.
“This proposal is not merely symbolic,” she said. “It has practical significance in ensuring that millions of Africans can better participate in UNESCO’s programmes and deliberations through a language that connects them culturally and historically.”
Uganda’s statement also expressed gratitude to member states that have already endorsed the initiative, calling it “a milestone for Africa’s cultural representation and intellectual contribution to the world stage.”
The move comes amid growing momentum across Africa to elevate Kiswahili as a continental and global language.
In 2022, the United Nations declared July 7 as World Kiswahili Language Day, marking the first time an African language received such recognition at the UN level.
Kiswahili, which originated along the East African coast, is spoken widely across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Rwanda, Burundi, and parts of southern Africa.
It has evolved into one of the most unifying linguistic symbols on the continent.
In a related development, Uganda also congratulated Mr. Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz upon his installation as Director-General Elect of UNESCO during the same General Conference session.
Ambassador Amule extended Uganda’s warm congratulations and pledged the country’s cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
“The Republic of Uganda congratulates Mr Khaled El-Enany upon his installation as Director-General Elect of UNESCO and reiterates her pledge of cooperation and support for a successful term of office,” she said.
She reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment, as a new member of the UNESCO Executive Board, to contributing to the implementation of programmes adopted by the General Conference and engaging in constructive dialogue with the Director-General to further the organisation’s global mission.
“Uganda remains committed to the values and objectives of UNESCO and will continue to play an active role in advancing education, culture, science and communication for sustainable development,” she added.
Mr. El-Enany, an Egyptian scholar and former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, was elected to lead UNESCO following the completion of Ms. Audrey Azoulay’s term.
His appointment has been widely welcomed by African and Arab nations as a testament to the continent’s increasing influence within the global body.
Uganda’s participation in this year’s General Conference highlights its growing diplomatic engagement within multilateral organisations and its support for African-led initiatives that promote cultural identity, education and unity on the world stage.
