On April 11th, the International University of East Africa (IUEA) officially launched its French Language Centre, a milestone unveiled during the joyous anniversary celebration of the IUEA French Club. Known for its energetic and inclusive spirit, the Francophone community at IUEA once again opened its arms wide, welcoming students, staff, and guests from all walks of life to celebrate the rich tapestry of French culture.
This event wasn’t just a celebration, it was a statement. A statement of unity, of cultural appreciation, and of IUEA’s ongoing support for Francophone communities and lovers of French heritage alike.
What is the IUEA French Club?
Founded on April 12th, 2024, by Constatine Kagu, the IUEA French Club serves as a dynamic hub for Francophones and French culture enthusiasts to connect, collaborate, and celebrate. From hosting vibrant cultural festivals to supporting the recent Francophone Job Fair showcasing opportunities for French speakers in Uganda, the club has become a cornerstone of support for the Francophone community both within and beyond campus.
Highlights from the Celebration
The event was graced by key players in Uganda’s Francophone and educational landscape, including:
- Louise Bay, Head of Education and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of France in Uganda
- Erick Touzé, General Director, Alliance Française Kampala
- Dr. Enock Sebuyungo, Senior Lecturer, Makerere University; Head of Faculty of Foreign Languages; Representative of the Association des Professeurs de Français en Ouganda (APFO)
- Brandon Omuhindura Wa Rukamba, General Manager, Campus France
- Priscilla Claire Lamwaka, Secretary, Uganda-France Alumni Society
Three major milestones defined the day:
- The Anniversary of the IUEA French Club
- A Celebration of French Culture
- The Official Launch of the IUEA French Language Centre
The tone was set with a powerful display of unity, beginning with the national anthems of Uganda and France. Leading the event were Constantine Kagu, the Club Founder from DR Congo, and Hilma Ahmed, Club President and General Manager of the IUEA French Language Centre. They were supported by charismatic MCs: Beatrice Nikuze, General Secretary of the Congolese Students Association in Uganda, and Daniel, an IUEA student also from DR Congo. Together, they ushered attendees into a vibrant celebration of French art, fashion, music, poetry, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Celebrating French Fashion, Poetry, and Music
The fashion showcase featured bold, breathtaking designs that paid homage to France’s legacy as the fashion capital of the world. Attendees were treated to a visual feast echoing the creativity and elegance synonymous with French haute couture, reminding all that IUEA’s Francophone community is equally stylish and expressive.
The IUEA Entertainment Association amplified the visual spectacle with electrifying dance performances that had the crowd swaying, clapping, and fully immersed in the festive atmosphere.
The event also highlighted France’s legacy in poetry and literature. With founder Constantine Kagu being a published French poet and literary voice at IUEA himself, the poetic interlude honoured both the historic Troubadours and Trouvères of medieval France and today’s French spoken-word enthusiasts.
Following this was an electrifying musical performance featuring powerful operatic pop, soulful R&B, and rhythmic rap in French. The diversity in genres reflected the global reach of French music, and many performances were delivered without microphones, allowing the purity of each voice to shine.
The Launch: A Step Toward Global Citizenship
The launch of the IUEA French Language Centre marked a transformative moment in our commitment to fostering global citizenship through language and culture. Representatives from Campus France, Alliance Française, and APF were present to underscore IUEA’s dedication to educational and cultural partnerships.
A lighthearted moment came when Erick Touzé was intrigued by the event’s slogan—“Le français, de la bouche à la poche”(French: from the mouth to the pocket)—which highlighted the commercial power of the French language. Constantine explained this was more than a pun; it was a truth. French is a gateway to economic opportunity. Spoken by over 300 million people across five continents, it opens doors in international diplomacy, trade, and education.
Madame Louise Bay affirmed this, reminding the audience that French is not just a beautiful language—it’s an essential one in today’s interconnected world. Even with the rise of AI, she echoed IUEA’s Vice Chancellor, who explained that nothing beats the power of speaking directly to someone in their own language.
Dr. Enock Sebuyungo shared a moving testimony of how French transformed his life—leading to a PhD and travel opportunities in France, thanks to the support of the French Embassy. His story was a testament to cross-cultural solidarity and the life-changing power of language.
A Community of Shared Passion
The French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Mr. Xavier Sticker, a longtime supporter of the arts, Francophone culture, and IUEA, sent his representative, who expressed admiration at the overwhelming support shown by IUEA, not just from the institution but also from students of diverse nationalities. Performers hailed from all across Africa, reinforcing IUEA’s identity as a truly global university.
From electrifying fashion shows to emotional poetry, from music that moved the soul to words that opened worlds, the IUEA French Club anniversary was more than an event. It was a celebration of cultural pride and unity in diversity and a preview of the vibrant future the IUEA French Language Centre promises.
Whether you’re a Francophone, a French culture enthusiast, or simply someone curious about the world, the IUEA French Language Centre is your gateway to explore one of the most influential cultures on Earth—together with a community that loves it just as much as you do.
