Published on 10/10/2024
In early October 2024, Uganda’s Kiswahili Council Bill faced heated debate in Parliament. On October 2nd, MP Denis Oguzu (Maracha County) flagged a critical flaw.
The bill lacked the required signature from its sponsor, Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development. According to Rule 117(3) of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, a bill without the sponsoring minister’s signature cannot proceed, making it legally questionable.
Without her endorsement, the bill’s legitimacy was questioned halting its progress. Parliament buzzed with concerns over the council’s necessity, leaving the fate of Kiswahili’s future in Uganda uncertain. The missing signature became a symbol of deeper doubts.
Speaker Anita Among initially attempted to downplay the omission, claiming her copies were signed, but she later retracted her comments. Acknowledging the error, she adjourned the sitting to allow the government to verify the bill’s authenticity.
She emphasized, “When you sponsor a law, it is just prudent enough that you sign it.” The matter resurfaced the next day, with Among questioning whether the bill would be overseen by the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Gender.
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David Bahati, Minister of State for Industries, apologized on behalf of the government, admitting that a signed copy was necessary before Parliament could proceed. However, Oguzu, backed by MPs like Asuman Basalirwa (Bugiri Municipality), demanded the bill be withdrawn entirely, citing legal grounds. Oguzu warned Parliament that continuing with the unsigned bill would invite legal action. “If we proceed, you must brace yourself for a legal challenge,” he said.
The controversy was compounded by broader debates about the necessity of the bill itself. The Uganda National Kiswahili Council Bill seeks to establish a council to promote Kiswahili, Uganda’s second official language since its adoption in 2005. Peace Mutuuzo, Minister of State for Culture, defended the bill, arguing that a formal council would provide the coordination needed to promote Kiswahili across multiple sectors, including education, trade, and security.
However, not all MPs agreed with the creation of a council. Ssemujju Nganda (Kira Municipality) argued that Uganda does not have a council for English or local languages, yet people speak to them fluently. He proposed that Kiswahili should simply be made compulsory in schools rather than establishing a costly council. “We study English without a council. Why do we need one for Kiswahili?” he asked.
Conversely, Stephen Baka (Bukooli North) supported the bill, noting that Kiswahili could foster national unity and facilitate development, drawing comparisons to Kenya and Tanzania, where the language is widely spoken. However, he questioned why the council would be placed under the Ministry of Gender rather than the Ministry of Education, stating, “The right home for this one is the Ministry of Education.”
The debate also saw MPs like Joseph Ssewungu (Kalungu West) and Charity Bainababo (UPDF Representative) stressing the practical benefits of promoting Kiswahili, particularly in enhancing regional integration and communication. Speaker Among urged the Ministries of Gender and Education to reconcile their roles regarding the bill’s implementation.
As Parliament awaited the government’s clarification, the bill remained a contentious topic, reflecting deeper concerns about Uganda’s legislative processes and the practical need for a Kiswahili Council.
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