Uganda is a diverse country with over 50 tribes. These people speak different languages and have diverging history, traditions and norms. The population of Uganda is approximately 40 million people. At the cultural core of modern-day Uganda lie the Bantu-speaking kingdoms of Buganda, Bunyoro, Ankole and Toro, whose traditional monarchs – reinstated in the 1990s after having been abolished by President Milton Obote in 1967 – still serve as important cultural figureheads.
Elsewhere, Uganda’s cultural diversity is boosted in the northeast by the presence of the Karimojong, traditional pastoralists whose lifestyle and culture is reminiscent of the renowned Maasai, and in the northwest by a patchwork of agricultural peoples whose Nilotic languages and cultures are rooted in what is now Sudan.
English is the official language spoken by many people. Kiswahili and other local languages are also spoken countrywide.
Tribes in Uganda
When it comes to culture, Uganda is one those few countries which are blessed with a true African atmosphere which give a real picture of how the black people came into existence. Blessed with over 45 ethnic groups each with its own unique customs and beliefs, this East African country offers the best cultural experience to tourists on their safari. The uniqueness of adventure while in the country is amazing as one get to know the deeper truth about the local people whose practices portray their ancestral origins. A drive through some of the local villages in Uganda gives one a chance to meet and interact with some of the local people who have great stories about their ancestors which am sure everyone would wish to listen to. Forget about the written literates, listening live to some of the ancient stories from the cultural leaders from some of the tribes is a thrilling experience which avails first-hand information.
Unlike other countries, in Uganda culture is witnessed at every point even when one has just jetted into the country. The way visitors are welcomed at the airport truly shows how Ugandans are cultured and how they follow their cultural norms. According to African context, a visitor is supposed to be treated well and given all the maximum attention. This is why when a cultured home in Uganda hosts a visitor, he/she is warmly welcomed and given the best. As the saying goes “Charity begins at home”, the good morals possessed by the local people show how they were brought up by their parents in a way of respecting the norms and beliefs. It is this reason that tourists find it easy to associate with the local people on their visit to the country and this makes them to feel at home hence less worried about their security.
What are some of the ethnic groups in Uganda?
Buganda:
Mainly found in the central region, Buganda is the largest ethnic tribe in the country with an estimate of 16.8% of the total population. Headed by the Kabaka (King), the kingdom is centrally organized and it comprises of the best cultural sites. Some of the cultural sites in Uganda include, Mengo cultural palace, Kasubi tombs, the Uganda Museum, Namugongo shrine, Kabaka’s lake and many more. The capital city of Uganda, Kampala is also found in Buganda and a city tour through this wonderful city can make your day a day to remember.
Ankole:
This is the second largest ethnic group in Uganda found in the western region. People from Ankole are called Bayankole and their language is called Lunyankole. One of the attributes fond of the Banyankole people is the long-horned cattle known as the “Ankole cattle”. It is a centralized kingdom headed by Omugabe of Ankole (King) who commands respect from the local people.
Busoga:
Busoga is the third largest ethnic group in this “pearl of Africa” and it’s among the Bantu speaking people. These people are found in the Eastern region of Uganda and they have a rich cultural atmosphere worth experiencing.
Acholi:
Found in Northern Uganda, the Acholi people are part of the Luo Nilotics group and they are believed to have come into existence after the intermarriages between the Madi and the Luo. This culturally rich ethnic group occupies 4.7% of the national total population and its said to be one of the oldest groups in the country.
The kingdom is well organized and it’s governed by a well established cultural government comprising of chiefs from different clans. Before war broke up in northern Uganda, the kingdom had a centralized system of governance but this was affected by the declining peace. It of late that the war has ended that the kingdom decided to revive its old system of governance.
Bugisu:
Also known as “the Bamasaba”, Bagisu are found in the eastern region of Uganda near Mountain Elgon. Bugisu is one of the large ethnic groups in Uganda occupying about 4.6% of the total population. It’s commonly known for its unique cultural practices such as “Imbalu” where all uncircumcised boys in the kingdom are circumcised as a way of transforming them into men. Their language is called Lugisu also termed a Lumasaba and its one of the easiest languages learn.
Langi:
Just like the Axcholi people, the Langi are also found in northern Uganda and they are one of the highly populated ethnic groups in the country occupying 6.1% of the total population of Uganda. Their hard-to find superior sensible ways of living makes them different from other groups. They are commonly known for their hunting skills which are as result of their brevity. Their ancestors are remembered as great warriors who where always winners in wars especially during times of cattle rustling and land grabbing.
Itesots:
Believed to have originated from Ethiopia, the Etesots are part of the Nilotics who moved to Uganda and settled in the Eastern region in the early days. They are led by a king also known as “Emorimori” who commands respect from his subjects.
Bakiga:
Settled in the south-west of Uganda, Bakiga group of people have a rich cultural atmosphere. They are also called “people from the mountain” simply because they hail from hilly areas of Kabale and Rukungiri. Their number is fairly large and they occupy 8% of the total population of Uganda. One of the interesting things about their culture is their cultural dance called Ekizino dance which involves jumping in a rhythmic manner pulling out some interesting moves.
These people are politically well organized in clans each with its own leader known as “omukuru w’omuryango”.
Lugbara:
Occupying about 4.3% of Uganda’s population, the Lubgbara ethnic group is said to be the largest in East Africa. These people are found in the west Nile region in Uganda on the border with Democratic Republic of Conco, DRC.
Bunyoro:
This group is also found in western Uganda occupying the district of Masindi, Kibale, Buliisa, Hoima and Kirandongo. Full of cultural wonders, the region is well known for having calm people who are willing to welcome every visitor irrespective of the origin.
The group is politically centralized with their leader (king) called Omukama. The kingship of this kingdom is hereditary and it’s from the king’s sons that the next king is chosen.