Parliament’s Committee on East African Affairs has called for the approval of Shs3.2Bn for the integration of Kiswahili language activities in Uganda.
Noeline Kisembo (Kibaale Woman) argued that although efforts have been made to integrate Kiswahili language in Uganda like Judiciary and Cabinet that are conducting Kiswahili training sessions, in FY 2024125 the activity remains unfunded with a funding requirement of Shs3.25Bn.
“For purposes of deepening and widening the integration in the region, Kiswahili language should be popularized as a way of integrating and unifying communities. The Committee recommends that Shs3.25Bn be provided to the Ministry to enable the Ministry fast-track the 27th EAC Summit Directive to implement the activities under Kiswahili integration,” said Kisembo, Chairperson, Parliament’s EAC Committee.
Naome Kibaaju (Sheema North) has asked Parliament to provide Kiswahili lessons to MPs in order to foster the EAC integration noting, “As leaders here, if we intend to start using Kiswahili in our Parliament, we need classes in Kiswahili to begin here at Parliament. Understand there are some lessons taking place at the NRM Secretariat, but that is congested and not conducive for learning. I wish we could have it in one of our rooms here at Parliament.”