education 2 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Embracing French: Key to Uganda's Diplomacy and Energy Growth
Gloria Sebikari highlights the strategic value of learning French for Ugandans, especially in the energy sector with partners like TotalEnergies, and shares her personal journey earning a DELF diploma. She emphasizes how the language fosters cultural connections and economic opportunities across Africa's Francophone nations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/why-learning-french-matters-for-uganda-5411574
Every March 20, the world celebrates Francophone Day, honoring the French language and global ties. In Uganda, this event resonates deeply, evoking memories of French lessons from the 1990s and early 2000s in schools.
Gloria Sebikari, Manager Corporate Affairs at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, recalls her early struggles with basic phrases like ‘Je m’appelle’ and classroom songs. Years later, in 2023, she earned a scholarship from the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and the French Embassy to study French at A2 level and take the DELF exam—a globally recognized certification from France’s Ministry of Education.
This experience revealed French as more than words; it’s a gateway to music, films, literature, and traditions. Professionally, French is vital in Uganda’s energy sector, where French firm TotalEnergies leads projects like Tilenga, Kingfisher, and EACOP, investing in local training and skills.
Africa boasts the world’s largest Francophone population, with over 20 nations. For Uganda, mastering French opens doors to diplomacy, trade, and culture in these countries. Sebikari’s travels to seven Francophone states underscore its role as a cultural bridge.
Personally, events like the Beaujolais Nouveau Festival have enriched her life. Quoting Nelson Mandela, she notes that speaking someone’s language touches the heart, making French an invaluable asset for collaboration.
Sebikari urges Ugandans to invest in French for economic, diplomatic, and human gains as ties with the Francophone world grow.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)