French Ambassador Visits Kabale University, Pledges Continued Support for Language Studies

KABALE – The French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Virginie Leroy, paid an official diplomatic visit to Kabale University. She met with students and staff for several partnership and collaboration meetings before attending the 11th Graduation Ceremony at its Kikungiri Hill campus on 30th October 2026. Accompanied by the French Embassy’s Education Attaché, Mme Clara Bouvy and Voilet Nabukenya, the head of Campus France. The visit underscored a shared commitment to strengthening academic ties. It also aimed to expand French language training and use in southwestern Uganda and the region more broadly.

The high-profile visit continues a long-standing and fruitful working relationship that Kabale University has had with the French Embassy in Kampala. Over the years, this enduring partnership has seen several previous French ambassadors travel to the Kigezi sub-region. This is to support the university’s academic growth and cultural exchange programs.

Strategic Engagements

On October 29, 2026, Ambassador Leroy engaged in a series of strategic, multi-tiered meetings across the university to assess French language education.

Dialogue with University Leadership: The Ambassador met with top University Management led by acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Johnny Mugisha. The meeting happened on October 30th and together with the other members of University Management, Prof. Mugisha presented some of the key issues where the French Embassy could be a key partner with the University. He also highlighted several areas where Kabale University has benefited from a relationship through the French department at Kabale University.

The Ambassador and members of her delegation made key presentations regarding key areas of promoting not only the teaching of the French language but also overall collaboration. The discussion focused on collaborative prospects in student exchanges, faculty development, and joint initiatives. Both sides affirmed the value of expanding French-language curricula, expanding scholarship opportunities, and leveraging cultural programs to deepen ties between Kabale University and French institutions.

A central theme of the October discussions was the Kigezi region’s strategic positioning. Because southwestern Uganda directly borders French-speaking nations like Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi.

Faculty and Departmental Consultations

On the 29th of October, the Ambassador and her delegation met with the faculty members of the Department of French, led by the Dean of the Institute of Language Studies, Dr David Majariwa. Associate Professor Abubakar Kateregga, the Head of the French Department, highlighted some of the key operational issues faced and the achievements made during the teaching of French in the region. Curriculum delivery, resource sharing, and capacity building were among the topics discussed.

Student Interactions: The Ambassador held a vibrant interactive meeting with members of the student French Club and language students, encouraging them to leverage their skills for global opportunities. The Head of Campus France, Voilet Nabukenya, made presentations to support collaboration between Kabale University and French partner institutions. This would expand exchange programs, joint research, and internship opportunities. Clara Bouvy who is in charge of coordination at the embassy also highlighted some of the key opportunities because of its geopolitical positioning.

There has been a 10-fold increase in demand for French-speaking skills in the region, making the expansion of French language offerings a national economic imperative. Mastering the language opens up opportunities for Kabale University graduates in regional trade, cross-border diplomacy, and international employment.

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