Makerere University (School of Languages, Literature and Communication, CHUSS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is pleased to announce the celebration of the International
Mother Language Day that is commemorated on the 21st February each year and recognised as a UNESCO worldwide observance to promote linguistic diversity, multilingualism, and the protection of mother tongues.
The theme of this year’s celebration that will be hosted at Makerere University is “Languages Matter: Harnessing technology to document and develop Uganda’s indigenous languages.”
One of the key principles of this commemoration is the emphasis that education in the first language is essential for quality learning and cultural preservation. This informs part of the government of Uganda policy on early childhood education where pupils are instructed in their mother tongue until primary level 4 and also buttresses the teaching of
mother languages at primary, secondary and in higher institutions of learning at tertiary or university level.
The event will take place on Friday, 20th February 2026 starting with an exhibition in the ARTS Quadrangle at CHUSS from 8:00am to 1:30pm and the Main Ceremony at 2:00pm – 5:00pm at Makerere University Main Hall.
His Majesty the Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV has accepted to grace the occasion as GUEST OF HONOUR where he will launch the teaching of Lusoga at Makerere University, among other activities.
The celebration aims to showcase the achievements of mother language education at Makerere University and encourage discussion among national scholars and stakeholders of language and culture in Uganda and beyond.
The day will bring together different political and cultural leaders, researchers, educators, publishers, policymakers, translators, and interpreters to discuss critical issues in language education, cultural preservation and continuity, and technological innovation.
Objectives of the celebration
The celebration aims to achieve the following objectives:
You are all invited to be part of the celebrations.