KAMPALA, Uganda — Makerere University Business School (MUBS) has reaffirmed its commitment to multilingual education, highlighting language proficiency as an important skill for graduates seeking to compete in local, regional and international markets.
The emphasis was made during a vibrant showcase of international cuisines, films and cultures organised ahead of the university’s annual Language Festival.
The event, organised by the Faculty of Tourism, Hospitality and Languages, brought together students and staff from five language clubs; French, German, Swahili, Chinese and Arabic who showcased how linguistic diversity can strengthen trade and promote cross-cultural business.
Don Patrick Bugingo, Acting Head of the Department of Business Languages and International Relations, said MUBS is distinguishing itself in higher education through its broad range of language programmes.
“We are unique in teaching various languages and today they will exhibit different values. It is very important to know many languages because in business it helps you to easily transact,” Bugingo said.
For the students, the showcase was more than a cultural exhibition, but also an opportunity to demonstrate the practical business value of speaking multiple languages.
Joshua Mutyaba, a third-year Bachelor of Business Administration student, said multilingualism gives young professionals a competitive advantage.
“We are to exhibit and showcase why it is important to know many languages, especially to participate in business internationally and locally,” Mutyaba said.
For students preparing to work in regional markets, learning a new language is also viewed as a strategic career choice.
Ankunda Merisa, a Hotel Management student and member of the Swahili Club, said her decision to learn Swahili was influenced by the opportunities available within the East African market.
“I chose the best choice since I’m in the Swahili Club. It can help me do business in East Africa,” she said.
Wangira Steven, the ambassador of all language clubs at MUBS, said the university currently has five active language clubs that equip students with skills that can improve their employability.
“They produce full-package students who know multiple languages, so when hired, companies won’t need interpreters,” Wangira said, encouraging more students to join the clubs.
MUBS Principal Prof. Moses Muhwezi said the university is considering expanding its language programme to include university education delivered entirely in local languages.
Muhwezi said he intends to propose the introduction of programmes that would allow students to study and graduate in local languages such as Luganda and Runyankole, alongside the five foreign languages currently taught at the institution.
“Apart from English, we teach the five languages. I intend to propose the introduction of university education in local languages, such as teaching entire courses in Luganda or Runyankole so that students can graduate in those languages,” he said.
He added that MUBS also plans to introduce short courses targeting the business community to help entrepreneurs and professionals conduct transactions more effectively across linguistic and cultural borders.
The festival coordinator, Mathew Mulambuzi, thanked partners for supporting the initiative and called for continued collaboration ahead of the fourth edition of the Language Festival scheduled for next year.
The event highlighted MUBS’s broader focus on producing graduates equipped with the linguistic, cultural and business skills needed to navigate increasingly interconnected local and international markets.
