MUBS Celebrates Linguistic Diversity with Food, Film, and Language Festival

Makerere University Business School (MUBS), through its Faculty of Tourism, Hospitality and Languages, recently organized a dynamic multilingual event that combined culinary arts, filmmaking, and linguistic showcases. This colourful event served as a prelude to the institution’s annual Language Festival, aiming to celebrate the rich tapestry of languages and underscore their significance in both professional and daily life.

Don Patrick Bugingo, Acting Head of the Department of Business Languages and International Relations, highlighted MUBS’s distinctive position in offering a wide array of language programs. He emphasized that proficiency in multiple languages is a crucial asset for seamless business transactions in today’s interconnected world.

Students at the event echoed this sentiment, with many expressing how the festival provided a platform to demonstrate the practical applications of their language skills in local and international business contexts. Students involved in language clubs shared their positive experiences, noting how learning languages like Swahili can open doors to regional business opportunities.

MUBS currently boasts five active language clubs: French, German, Swahili, Chinese, and Arabic. The university is keen on fostering graduates who are “full-package” professionals, capable of communicating in multiple languages and reducing the need for interpreters in business settings. Encouragement was given for more students to engage with these language groups.

Looking ahead, MUBS Principal Professor Moses Muhwezi revealed plans to introduce degree programs taught entirely in local Ugandan languages, such as Luganda and Runyankole. Additionally, the institution intends to offer short courses tailored for the business community to enhance their multilingual capabilities and facilitate smoother commercial interactions.

The festival underscored MUBS’s dedication to cultivating graduates who are well-equipped to thrive in diverse global markets, equipped with the linguistic tools to bridge cultural divides. The event’s success points towards the critical role of multilingualism in fostering international understanding and economic growth.

This event was reported by Nile Post.