The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has announced the inclusion of Lusoga and Ateso in Makerere University’s academic curriculum ahead of International Mother Language Day celebrations.

The Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Peace Regis Mutuuzo, highlighted Uganda’s commitment to preserving linguistic diversity, promoting multilingualism, and protecting indigenous mother tongues.

“The university will also introduce Ateso, expanding opportunities for students to study and engage with Uganda’s rich linguistic heritage,” Mutuuzo stated.

The minister made these remarks while speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre today, February 19th, 2026,

During the address, she announced key initiatives ahead of the main national celebration scheduled for Friday, February 20, 2026, at Makerere University’s Main Hall.

The event aligns with efforts to harness technology for documenting and developing indigenous languages, under a theme emphasizing “Language Matters: Harnessing Technology to Document and Develop Uganda’s Indigenous Languages.”

First announced by UNESCO on 17th November 1999, it was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of UN Resolution 56/262 in 2002.

Mother Language Day is part of a broader initiative which is “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world,” as adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16th May 2007 in UN Resolution 61/266.

Additionally, the main commemoration on February 20 will feature exhibitions starting at 8:00 a.m. in the ARTS Quadrangle at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), followed by the core ceremony from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Main Hall.

The Minister also emphasized that His Majesty William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga and a strong advocate for cultural preservation, is expected to serve as chief guest, underscoring royal and community support for language revitalization.

She stressed that preserving mother tongues is essential for inclusive education, cognitive development, and safeguarding endangered languages amid globalization and technological shifts.

This year’s activities build on Uganda’s ongoing efforts to integrate indigenous languages into formal education and digital platforms, contributing to broader goals of cultural heritage protection and sustainable national development.