Uganda Presidential Candidate Vows to Ban Swahili, Proposes French

Uganda’s 2026 presidential race has taken an unexpected turn after aspirant Mubarak Munyagwa declared that, if elected, he would ban the use of Swahili in public systems and the education sector.

Instead, he proposes introducing French as the country’s secondary language, a move he believes will position Uganda for stronger international opportunities.

Speaking during a campaign address, Munyagwa argued that Swahili has not elevated Uganda on the global stage and claimed that French would connect the nation to more international markets and diplomatic networks, especially given Uganda’s geographic proximity to Francophone countries such as Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Uganda must think beyond the region and align itself with languages that open wider global doors. French offers that chance,” Munyagwa stated.

Threat to East African Unity?

The declaration has sparked heated reactions both online and offline. Swahili was officially adopted in Uganda as one of the national languages in 2022, joining English as an official medium of communication.

The decision was part of the East African Community’s (EAC) integration drive, meant to strengthen regional cohesion across member states.

Many critics say Munyagwa’s proposal risks undoing progress made in unifying the region. Some argue that his stance alienates Uganda from the EAC, where Swahili has become the common working language across Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and other member states.

Overwhelming Online Backlash

Ugandans flooded social media to share their opinions on the matter, with many dismissing the presidential hopeful’s controversial plan.

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One user bluntly wrote: “That alone has made you lose this election, who can support that?” Another commenter added: “This person will make Kenya politics look mature.”

A third person noted: “The reasons M7 wins all the time,” implying that divisive pledges like Munyagwa’s may ultimately strengthen President Yoweri Museveni’s long grip on power.

While a few supported the French proposal, arguing that Uganda needs to “look outward,” the overwhelming majority seemed to oppose the idea, insisting Swahili remains vital for East African integration, trade, and security collaboration.

Munyagwa’s proposal illustrates the ongoing struggle among Ugandan leaders to balance domestic aspirations with regional obligations.