The Ministry of East African Affairs is seeking an additional Shs3.5b to coordinate and promote Kiswahili as an official language in the country. 

This was revealed by the docket political head, and Third Deputy Prime Minister, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, in a statement presented to Parliament yesterday. 

Key among the activities to be undertaken is the training of Cabinet members and permanent secretaries as the officials have only one year to up their proficiency in the language.

A Kiswahili training program and manual for Parliament has also been developed and handed to the Clerk for implementation. 

In July, the Cabinet approved the adoption of Kiswahili as an official language and directed that it be made a compulsory subject in primary and secondary schools.

This was in line with the directive of the 21st East African Community (EAC) Summit held in February 2021 that directed the expedition of the implementation of Kiswahili, English and French as official languages in the bloc.

Ms Kadaga said the government aims to make Kiswahili the language of transaction in business, private sector organisations, government procedures, faith-based organisations and cultural institutions and the general citizenry. 

Government is also to set up the National Kiswahili Council which will champion Kiswahili development initiatives at national level.