Language experts have expressed grave concern over the declining use of mother languages, attributing this trend to modernization and the rising number of elites in society, which they argue is eroding cultural values.
These concerns were highlighted during the Runyakitara Teachers Conference 2025, hosted by Kabale University’s Institute of Language Studies in celebration of International Mother Language Day, observed annually on February 21st.
The conference brought together educators, language practitioners, and stakeholders from various regions, including Bunyoro, Toro, Kigezi, and Ankole, to discuss strategies for preserving indigenous languages amid globalization and modernization.
Dr. David Majariwa, Chief of the Institute of Language Studies at Kabale University, emphasized the urgency of protecting native languages, warning that many could vanish without proactive measures.
He stressed the need to change societal attitudes that prioritize English proficiency over mother tongue literacy.
“There should be inclusion of indigenous languages in lower primary and nursery school curricula to strengthen cultural heritage from an early age,” Dr. Majariwa stated.
Rev. Prof. Manuel Muranga, head of Runyakitara studies at Kabale University, urged the government to integrate local languages into the national curriculum and make them examinable at all education levels, including the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE), and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).
“I encourage media professionals, including cartoonists and graphic designers, to create children’s content in indigenous languages to foster early adoption and preservation,” Muranga added.
Prof. Joy Kwesiga, Vice Chancellor of Kabale University, highlighted the significance of International Mother Language Day in uniting people around the issue of language preservation.
She noted that local languages lack sufficient representation in the country’s education system and called on the government to take action.
“As a university, we are committed to cultural heritage and have established a Cultural Heritage Center to equip young generations with the values of preserving their traditions,” Prof. Kwesiga explained.
Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports, attended the conference as the chief guest and stressed that the diminishing use of indigenous languages is exacerbated by an education system that overly emphasizes English.
She underscored the importance of equipping language practitioners with the necessary skills to teach, read, and write fluently in local languages.
Turyagyenda commended Kabale University for its efforts in training younger generations in mother tongue studies and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting language and cultural education.
In addition to the conference, the Institute of Language Studies at Kabale University hosted a memorial lecture honoring the late historian, cultural activist, and teacher Festo Karwemera.
International Mother Language Day is an annual global observance aimed at promoting awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as multilingualism.
Events like the Runyakitara Teachers Conference highlight the crucial role institutions such as Kabale University play in ensuring that indigenous languages remain a vital part of Uganda’s cultural identity.