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Uganda’s population of
21 million is made up of many tribes who are proud of living together in harmony. They
have their indigenous customs and rituals, which have been handed down generations.
Religious tolerance is another important aspect of Uganda today, where everyone is free to
practice his or her own beliefs. Christians, Muslims, Jews and Hindus coexist in peace and
harmony.
The
largest cultural group is the Baganda tribe who has held great influence in Ugandan
affairs.
Amongst other ethnic groups are Toro, the Banyankole, the Acholi, Basoga and Lugbara.
Storytellers keep alive the folklore of the myriad tribes. If you are in the country,
don’t pass up the opportunity of listening to tales of the Chwezi people. The old
people are particularly obliging and make great storytellers. Music and dance are woven
into their tribal lives. Two of these can be unforgettable experiences – the Imbalu
dance of the Bagisu people on the slopes of Mt. Elgon and the Runyege dances near Masindi.
Ugandans
are conservative in their observance of social courtesies. While greeting with a handshake
is customary, it is important to be suitably dressed. Towns and villages do not take
shorts or swimwear kindly. It is also mandatory to take off your shoes before you enter a
place of worship.
Religion
Christian constitute 60% of
Uganda’s population with animists accounting for 32% and the Muslims constituting the
remaining 5% of the population.
Food
The staple food eaten by
the locals are cassava, sweet potatoes, millet bread, chicken, pork and beef. Try the
“Luombo”, a delicious stew steamed in banana leaves, and “matoke”, a
staple made from bananas and served with millet and bread. Ugandan fresh water fish,
especially the Nile Perch and Tilapia, are very tasty and worth a try. The local popular
local liquor is called “waragi”, which is a gin made from bananas.
Culture and Crafts
With over 56 ethnic groups
in Uganda, it’s hard to know where to begin. Each group has its own language, music,
customs and traditions. The locals are creative and there is a cross-section of realistic
and abstract artists, all who seek in their various ways to depict Uganda’s past,
present and future. The love of colour is very evident in their dress and artwork. All
over Uganda, people in there own unique way portray cultural values to any tourist who is
an art lover. A wide range of local antiques, crafts, carvings, paintings, collages,
batiks and many other equally fascinating artefacts, are made and sold in Uganda.
The official language in
Uganda is English. Swahili and Luganda are the other commonly spoken languages. 56 tribal
dialects are spoken in the multi-tribal society.
Education
Uganda’s official
“literacy” figures are 65%, but the definition of the term probably includes
anyone who is able to write his/ her name. |
