Makerere University Business School (MUBS) is celebrating one of its own after the French government awarded Associate Professor Milburga Atcero the Knight of the Order of Academic Palms (Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques).
This prestigious international honour, bestowed by the French Embassy in Uganda, recognises Prof. Atcero’s exceptional contributions to education, academic research, and the promotion of Francophone culture.
In an official statement, MUBS expressed pride in her achievement: “Congratulations to Assoc. Prof. Milburga Atcero on receiving the prestigious honour of Knight of the Order of Academic Palms by the French government in recognition of her extraordinary work, studies, and commitment to the Francophonie. MUBS is proud of you,” the institution posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Ordre des Palmes Académiques is one of the oldest civil honours in France, established by Emperor Napoleon in 1808. It is awarded to distinguished academics and figures in culture and education for their dedication to fostering French culture and language globally.
Prof. Atcero expressed gratitude for the recognition: “I am deeply honoured to be awarded the title of Knight of the Order of Academic Palms by the French Government.”
She added, “This prestigious recognition inspires me to continue championing education and collaboration for MUBS, Uganda, and beyond. Grateful to all who made this possible.”
Prof. Atcero has long been known for her tireless efforts in academic development, student mentorship, and international collaboration. Her leadership in promoting the French language and culture within Ugandan institutions and among the youth has been especially noted.
Who is Prof Atcero?
Milburga Atcero is an Associate Professor in French Language Education at Makerere University Business School. She is the Dean Faculty of Tourism, Hospitality and Languages. She holds a PhD in French Language Education, National and Foreign Cultures and Civilisation, awarded by Sorbonne University, Paris 3, France in April 2013. She teaches the French language for Specific Purposes.
She has been the Chairperson of the Advisory Board of Alliance Française de Kampala from 2007 to 2022. Atcero works in close collaboration with the French Embassy in Uganda, the International Federation of Teachers of French and the Francophony University Network.
She has worked in collaboration with the Director and Deputy Director of MUBS Women Forum to coordinate the activities of the International Consortium for Gender Equality (GE) on Campus, initiated by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (Francophony University Network) with the support of UN Women over the period 2021-2022. The MUBS Women Forum became a member of this Consortium in 2021.
She is the Special Advisor to the President of the African and Indian Commission of the International Federation of Teachers of French. She is a subject Expert panellist and Consultant with Uganda National Curriculum Development Centre and the National trainer for foreign languages in the framework of the Competence Based Curriculum.
She is part of the UNESCO Consultancy Team on building capacity for the Ministry of Education and Sports to roll out the National Sexuality Education framework. She is the Focal Point for AUF in Uganda.