How Many Tribes Are In Uganda? Uganda derived from the ancient of Buganda kingdom and it was initially colonized formed by the British between the years 1890 and 1926. This country lies within the Eastern region and the western Great rift valley of East Africa and it shares boarders with other countries like; Rwanda, Kenya from the East side, Tanzania from the South, South Sudan from the North and the Democratic Republic of Congo which is found from the west side. More so, the inhabitants of Uganda were the stone age people who were gradually replaced in the first millennium A.D by the migrants who were agriculturalists and pastoralists and there around 50 ethnic and cultural groups in the country and these groups were conveniently divided into 4 categories such as the following below;
The Batwa.
The Batwa people were among the first group that came into Uganda and they are known to be contributing about 50% of the population in the country. and the Bantu tribes mainly settle within the central and western region of the country in districts like; Mbarara, Kampala, Mbale, fort portal, Masaka, Kisoro, Jinja, Kabale, Busia and many others. More so, the Bantu tribes include the following such as; the Basoga, Banyankole, Bafumbira, Bakiga, Batooro, Bagwere, Baganda, Bagisu, Bakojo, Banyoro, Bahima among others.
The Nilo-Hamites.
The Nilo-Hamites are considered the second category of ethnic group who are found with in the Northeastern region of Uganda who originated from the Ethiopian highlands and are believed to live in one harmony as one people. And here are some of the tribes which belong to this ethnic group; the itesots, the Karamojongs, Sebei, the Langi who are known to have lost their culture to the Luo people, the Pokot, Tepeth, Labwor, Kakwa, Karam and many others.
The Nilotics.
The Nilotics are also known to be Luo who are located within the Northern region of Uganda and they are comprised of tribes like; the Acholi who are Northern region, the Alur who settled in the West side of the Nile, the Japadhola who are found within the Eastern part, the Langi, the Madi, Okebu, Lugbara, Metu. And it is well known that these other tribes originated from Sudan but their language and cultures portray how they have completely been detached away from their places of origin.
Tribes in Uganda.
However, from the mentioned above tourists should note that Uganda has around 56 tribes and the unique part about them is that these tribes speak different languages and have their own way of living their lifestyle such as; different dress codes and culture among others. More so, there are around nice indigenous communities that were officially recognized in 1995. As said earlier, there are many different languages in the country however English is recognized as an official language to be used in the country while some other languages include; Swahili, Luganda that are also widely spoken in many parts of the country among others. In addition, due to the increase in number of population some foreign languages like Asian, Arabic, French, and Germany are spoken too.
Therefore, to mention below is the list of the 56 Local tribes that are within Uganda which include; the Acholi, Langi, Itesots, Baganda, Basoga, Bahima, Bakwere, Bakiga, Banyankole, Bagisu, Sabiny, Batooro, Banyoro, Basoga, Jie, Pokoth, Bakonzo, Babwisi, Bafumbira, Ik, Batuku, Kakwa, Karamojong, Dodoth, Jonam, Bahehe, Banyole, Bakenyi, Nubi, Baamba, Japadhola, Ethur, Baruli, Kuku, Napore, Batagwenda, Madi, Banyabindi, Lugbara, Batuku, Kebu, Chope, Kumam, Lendu, Nyangia, Vonoma, Bakukusu, Bahehe, Menung, Kebu, Bagwe, Bahororo and many others.
Lastly each of these tribes in the country are noticed to have their own unique features where by they have different culture tradition and norms, their own economic activities, way of dressing such as; the Baganda who wear Gomesi and Kanzu and in Karamoja they wear Suuka, whereby the Banyakole, Banyoro and Batooro wear Mushanana for the women and Bussuti for the men. More so, their have their way of traditional marriage and rituals, family and gendre satuses, etiquette, like different foods and beverages for example; the Baganda like Luwombo, Banyankole – millet, Basoga- cassava, Basoga- sweet potatoes, sabin – Matooke, Bakiga – irish potatoes and many others like; Maize, rice, yams, and vegetables.
Therefore, contact our trusted tour operators in case of more inquiries about how many tribes are in Uganda and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global safaris who will offer you with the best tour packages as you tour around the country.
