Bugisu Leaders Advocate for Chinese Language in Schools to Ease Investor-Local Communication

Leaders from the Bugisu sub-region have called for Chinese language programs in local schools to address communication challenges between Chinese investors and Ugandan workers.

The appeal was voiced at the 2026 International Chinese Language Day event held at the Uganda-Sino Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale City. The gathering was organized by the Chinese Embassy, the Confucius Institute at Makerere University, and the industrial park.

Despite Chinese becoming an examinable subject in secondary schools nationwide since 2019, no institutions in Bugisu currently offer it, according to the leaders.

Resident City Commissioner George William Wopuwa emphasized the urgency, noting the region’s many factories that employ locals facing daily language hurdles. He highlighted benefits like improved cognitive skills, productivity, and discipline among workers.

Wopuwa also pointed to booming trade, with Ugandan exports to China up over 73%, including 90% growth in coffee.

The Mbale-Sino Industrial Park, operational since 2018 with a $600 million investment across 619 acres, employs 13,500 people across over 80 factories producing items like textiles, electronics, and detergents. Most staff lack Chinese proficiency.

Mbale City mayor-elect Joyce Kidulu praised the park’s role in economic growth and people-to-people ties, stressing Chinese as key for workplace bonds.

Park administrator Laurent Zhang and Confucius Institute director Tang Fei supported wider teaching to boost communication and cultural exchange. Chinese Embassy representative Fan Xuecheng described language as a bridge to civilization, technology, and mutual understanding.

Source: Daily Monitor