Kampala – Alliance Française Kampala (AFK), in partnership with several organizations, has awarded winners in different categories of the fourth edition of the Njogera Français 2026 competitions, which attracted 888 participants from schools and institutions of learning across Uganda.
Outstanding pupils and students walked away with laptops, certificates, and other prizes in recognition of their dedication and hard work in learning the French language. The winners came from schools including Aga Khan Primary School, Kisubi Seminary, Green Hill Academy, Ndejje Secondary School, Seeta High School, Ambrosoli International School, and St. Peter Claver.
The Chief Guest, H.E Hugues Chantry, the Ambassador of Belgium to Uganda, in his address, noted that Uganda’s proximity to several Francophone countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo makes learning French an important advantage for Ugandans, especially in business and regional cooperation.
“It is nice to know many languages, but language is also a vehicle to express yourself. If you know many languages, it will definitely help you in the future. I am really glad to have been invited to be with you today,” he said.
Chantry also commended the winners for their dedication and for standing out among many competitors.
The Director of Alliance Française Kampala, Loic Boivin, explained that the event is not only about celebrating academic success but also about recognizing commitment to the French language and investing in the future of Uganda’s young generation.
“Let me warmly congratulate the winners of Njogera Français. You have worked hard and taken on the challenge of the DELF exams. I also congratulate those who did not win but participated. You are living examples that effort and curiosity can open doors,” Boivin said.
He added that with over 320 million French speakers worldwide, the majority of whom are in Africa, choosing to learn French in Uganda opens doors to a wider market and greater opportunities.
Boivin also thanked parents, teachers, and school administrators for their continued support of students learning the language.
“I thank parents for the support they provide, including financial assistance. It is because of such efforts that students succeed. I also thank teachers and school heads because without your vision, there would be no French clubs in schools,” he said.
The President of the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO), Dr. Agatha Tumwine Magezi, emphasized the importance of promoting multilingualism in Uganda.
“We emphasize multilingualism. We need professionals who can understand more than one language without needing interpretation while at work,” she said.
She revealed that the association has organized several activities aimed at promoting the learning and use of French across the country.
One of the winners, Raphael Afuoyo, a Senior Five student from Ndejje Secondary School, said his perception of French changed over time.
“When I started learning French in primary school, it seemed boring, but because of the interest I developed, I continued with it up to secondary level. I found it necessary to add at least a third language to my career,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for being recognized among the best students and hopes that the language will open more opportunities for him in the future.
Jessica Asaba, a French teacher at Aga Khan Primary School, which produced more than one winner, urged parents to support their children whenever they show interest in learning French.
“Aga Khan started participating in these competitions in 2022, and since then we have had representatives every year. I always brief parents about the importance of allowing their children to study French, and I’m happy that many have been supportive,” she said.
She also appealed to the Ministry of Education and Sports Uganda to consider creating an alternative that allows science students at Advanced Level to study French, noting that many students are interested but lack the opportunity.
The Njogera Français competitions were organized by Alliance Française Kampala with support from the Embassy of Belgium in Uganda, Embassy of France in Uganda, Association of Teachers of French in Uganda, TotalEnergies, CFAO, Kaveri, Lapaire, and French international schools in Uganda.
