Kampala — Popular Ugandan singer Sheebah Karungi has sparked a national conversation on language and communication after criticizing what she called “grammar snobbery” in Uganda.
Her widely shared post on X (formerly Twitter) urges people to stop shaming others for English mistakes, emphasizing that English is only one of the country’s 50+ languages.
In her post, Sheebah argued that focusing on grammar over ideas overlooks talent, innovation and results, noting that many successful business builders thrive without perfect English. She wrote: “English is just an international language… a tool, not a crown. We don’t have to perfect it. We only need it to connect with people who don’t speak our local languages.”
She stressed that knowing English should not be seen as a marker of superiority but as a means of communication, and encouraged people to prioritize understanding and connecting over linguistic perfection.
Public Response
Her comments drew widespread support online, with many praising her stance as challenging colonial mindsets and promoting pride in Uganda’s linguistic diversity. Fans echoed her call to value ideas and content over form, emphasizing that communication should be inclusive rather than elitist.
Critics, however, argued that clarity in communication still matters, especially in professional and formal contexts, and some questioned why more use of local languages is not promoted as part of the solution.
Broader Discussion
The conversation has tapped into a wider debate in Uganda about language, education and identity, highlighting tensions between English — introduced during colonial rule and used as the official language — and the country’s rich multilingual heritage. Advocates for local languages see Sheebah’s comments as an opportunity to push for greater inclusion and recognition of indigenous tongues in everyday life.
Sheebah’s message underscores a growing movement in Uganda to focus on substance over style, celebrating creativity, talent, and entrepreneurship without being limited by linguistic elitism. It also encourages a shift toward valuing diverse forms of expression, in line with the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
