Kampala — Alliance Française Kampala (AFK), in partnership with several stakeholders, has announced and awarded winners in different categories of the fourth edition of the Njogera Francais 2026 competitions. The event attracted a total of 888 participants from various schools and institutions of learning across Uganda.
Top-performing students and pupils were rewarded with laptops, certificates and other prizes in recognition of their dedication to 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, Hugues Chantry, the Ambassador of Belgium to Uganda, emphasized the importance of learning French, noting that Uganda is surrounded by several Francophone countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“It is good to know many languages because language is also a vehicle to express yourself. If you speak several languages, it will definitely help you in the future. I am very pleased to have been invited to be with you today,” he said.
He also applauded the winners for their hard work and determination that enabled them to excel among many participants.
The Director of Alliance Française Kampala, Loïc Boivin, said the event was not only about celebrating academic results but also about recognizing commitment, excellence in the French language and the promising future of young Ugandans.
“Let me warmly congratulate the winners of Njogera Francais. You worked hard and took on the challenge of the DELF examinations. I also congratulate those who did not win but participated. You are living examples that effort and curiosity can open doors,” Boivin noted.
He further pointed out that French is spoken by more than 320 million people worldwide, with the majority living on the African continent. According to him, choosing to learn French in Uganda opens doors to broader markets and numerous opportunities.
“I also thank the parents for their support, including financial assistance, which has helped students succeed. I appreciate the teachers and school administrators as well, because without your vision there would be no French clubs in schools,” he added.
Agatha Tumwine Magezi, President of the Association of Teachers of French in Uganda (APFO), highlighted that one of the association’s main goals is to promote the learning and use of French across the country.
“We emphasize multilingualism. We need professionals who can understand more than one language without relying on interpreters while at work,” she said, adding that APFO has organized several activities to promote the French language nationwide.
One of the winners, Raphael Afuoyo, a Senior Five student at Ndejje Secondary School, said that although French initially seemed difficult and uninteresting when he first encountered it in primary school, he later developed a passion for the language.
“I realized it was important to add at least a third language to my career. I am happy to be recognized among the best students, and I believe the French language will open more opportunities for me,” he said.
Jessica Asaba, a French teacher at Aga Khan Primary School, which produced several winners, urged parents to support children who 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 explain to parents the importance of allowing their children to study French, and I am glad many of them are supportive,” she said.
She also appealed to the government through the Ministry of Education and Sports Uganda to consider introducing options that would allow Advanced Level science students to study French, noting that many are interested but currently lack the opportunity.
The competitions were organized by Alliance Française Kampala with support from the Embassy of Belgium in Uganda, the Embassy of France in Uganda, APFO, TotalEnergies, CFAO, Kaveri, Lapaire and French International Schools.
