the Humanist view

“I refer to the British language as a captured weapon we are now employing.”

Gen. Yoweri Kagutta Museveni

Yes, indeed, English is the only official language of Uganda.

It is a lasting legacy of colonialism, which has morphed into an effective weapon for silencing the masses and for oppression.

As in, if you aren’t able to read, write and speak English, chances are your say doesn’t count much in Uganda’s policy arena.

An obnoxious false view prevails that possession of English language skills signifies intelligence.

The Case of Lugazi Local Government (June 2023)

Well, Lugazi councilors, politicians, couldn’t take it anymore. And expressed displeasure as to why their local government budget was presented in English.

Mbu, “too much English was used” and they did not understand the budget.

Mbu, the final Lugazi Local Government Budget presenter, a technocrat, kept referring to changes that were made as “amendments.”

Mbu, the word “amended” and its variations triggered the politicians. I assume, who had prior discussed and approved the budget in Luganda.

I assume, technocrats translated the budget from Luganda to English, made amendments or reflected the amendments made as were approved in Luganda.

Which begs the question, why not present it back in Luganda?

A nation’s mind colonized

“My mom’s driver, Lau, is one of the most literate human beings I have ever met. Although he can hardly speak English, he is able to express very complex ideas and concepts in his native language, and has often given me a lesson or two about my own surroundings, which the English language cannot capture. So, how much do we lose by wholeheartedly embracing and promoting this foreign language?”

Connie Nshemereirwe, PhD

A valid question Connie asks of us all Ugandans.

Clearly, we do lose a lot by “wholeheartedly embracing and promoting this foreign language.”

The case of the Lugazi councillors is not unique. It applies in all of Uganda.

It is the norm for thousands of Ugandans to be locked out from genuinely participating in important conversations and decisions that have direct impact on their lives, simply because they do not know English.