This thesis examines the perception Ugandan citizens have of Swahili. Historically, Swahili and Uganda have not been a good marriage. There is an abundant amount of literature available about the...Show moreThis thesis examines the perception Ugandan citizens have of Swahili. Historically, Swahili and Uganda have not been a good marriage. There is an abundant amount of literature available about the use of Swahili in Uganda by security forces. Furthermore, Swahili was used by Idi Amin’s army, which oppressed the citizens of Uganda. This factor has contributed to several studies arguing, that Ugandan people did and do not like Swahili. The Luganda speakers especially, resisted to Swahili being implemented in different layers of Uganda’s society. However, new aims for implementing Swahili in Uganda are being made by the East African Community, which declared Swahili the lingua franca of the community. 55 interviews with Ugandan citizens have been conducted, in order to examine whether the negative attitudes towards Swahili are still present. This will show how the policies regarding Swahili of the intergovernmental organisation, namely the East African Community, are perceived by Ugandans. The results of the interviews conducted show a different perception of Swahili in Uganda than has been argued by past studies. Most people see opportunities for learning Swahili and it will be a next step towards East-African integration.Show less
