Clare N
Language experts, educators, and religious leaders from the Tooro and Bunyoro sub-regions have intensified efforts to revive and preserve the authenticity of the Runyoro-Rutooro language amid growing concerns over its decline.
The call was made over the weekend, during a Runyoro-Rutooro Language Workshop held at Panorama Hotel in Kyenjojo District, which brought together members of the Runyoro-Rutooro Language Board and the Runyoro-Rutooro Teachers Association.
Speaking at the workshop, the Board’s patron, Prof. Oswald Ndoreriire Ateenyi noted that the meeting aimed at addressing the increasing erosion of the language and finding sustainable solutions to safeguard its future.
He stressed that a number of teachers currently handling Runyoro-Rutooro lack specialized training, which affects the quality of teaching and writing. He explained that the workshop was designed to equip educators with the necessary skills to promote correct usage of the language.
According to Prof. Ndoreriire, the gap left by the death of prominent language experts such as Fr. Kakyoma and Jenifer Asaba, prompted them to nurture a new generation of scholars to preserve the language’s authenticity.
Specializing in Rutooro
He further proposed the establishment of a university dedicated to teaching Rutooro, noting that this would not only strengthen the language but also promote its use across disciplines, including science. He urged communities to embrace their mother tongue and avoid ridiculing Africans who struggle with foreign languages like English while tolerating similar mistakes from foreigners speaking local languages.
Speaking as a Key note speaker, the Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev.Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki attributed the decline in proper Runyoro-Rutooro usage to increasing tribal intermixing, limited written literature, and a lack of commitment among native speakers.
The Bishop, who is also an accomplished author of the examinable Runyoro-Rutooro play Agaali Maka, ironed out the importance of promoting proper language usage by correcting common mistakes influenced by other languages.
He challenged Runyakitara teachers to take pride in their linguistic heritage and actively contribute to its growth through writing and daily communication. He encouraged educators to serve as role models, noting that their efforts would inspire younger generations to appreciate and embrace their mother tongue.
Bishop Muhiirwa also highlighted the importance of expanding written literature, warning that its scarcity poses a threat to the survival of the language. He urged teachers to use their creativity to make Runyoro-Rutooro more engaging and appealing to learners.
The Bishop commended participants for their dedication to preserving the language, while Prof. Ndoreriire praised the Church for its continued role in advancing local literature. He cited notable contributors such as Msgr. Bonaventure Kasaija, Msgr. Hillario Kaijanabyo, and Msgr. Kisembo, whose works continue to enrich Runyoro-Rutooro.