A meeting to discuss policy issues for the development and promotion of Kiswahili in Uganda
Kampala – Uganda
This morning, the Executive Secretary of the East African Kiswahili Commission, Dr. Caroline Asiimwe, accompanied by her staff, attended a high‑level consultative meeting on invitation of Mr. Edward Sebina, Commissioner for Social Affairs at MEACA‑UG. The dialogue focused on policy issues for the development and promotion of Kiswahili in Uganda.
On the sidelines of her visit, Dr. Caroline held discussions with Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, and also met with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.
Dr. Caroline appreciated Uganda’s commitment to implementing Kiswahili programs. Key agreements included follow‑up on establishing a Kiswahili Council with selected MDAs. She was pleased to note that Kiswahili teaching in Uganda continues and encouraged members to embrace it further.
Background on the Kiswahili Commission
Established: The East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC) was created under the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community and became operational in 2010.
Purpose: To promote Kiswahili as a regional language, coordinate its development, standardize teaching and terminologies, and foster cultural integration across East Africa.
Headquarters: The Commission is based in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania.
A high level meeting in Mogadishu, Somalia
The Acting Information Minister Abdirahman Al-Adala hosted EAKC Executive Secretary Dr. Caroline Asiimwe to a high-level meeting in Mogadishu. Together they discussed strategies for promoting Kiswahili and Somalia affirmed its strong commitment to accelerate implementation of Kiswahili programs focusing on Media, Education, & Culture.
A policy engagement with officials from the Ministries in the Republic of Kenya
Dr. Caroline Asiimwe, the Executive Secretary, held a policy engagement with officials from the Ministry of EAC Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry responsible for Culture in the Republic of Kenya to discuss the status of implementing initiatives that support the development and use of Kiswahili. This engagement demonstrated renewed government commitment to advancing Kiswahili development in alignment with the strategies for development and use of Kiswahili in the EAC.
A high level meeting with stakeholders in Burundi
In a bid to enhance the EAKC engagement with EAC Partner States, Dr. Caroline Asiimwe, the Executive Secretary East African Kiswahili Commission coordinated a high level policy engagement with Permanent Secretaries and representatives of the Ministry of EAC Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Education from the Republic of Burundi. Together, they discussed strategies for enhancing the development and use of Kiswahili.