The Tribes Of Uganda
The Tribes Of Uganda : Uganda also referred to as the Pearl of Africa filled with diverse beautiful and natural endowments such as valleys, mountains, trees, waters and Hills. All these mentioned wonders are taken care of and surrounded by the beautiful people of Uganda. Uganda is a land locked country and therefore has no coastline however, it is bordered by Rwanda and Tanzania to the south, Kenya to the East, Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, South Sudan to the north. It is incredible to learn that some of the tribes and languages in Uganda are shared by its incredible neighbours.
Uganda blessed with over 56 tribes and over 60 different languages spoken that consists of incredible and hospitable people. These tribes originate from its main ethnic groups that include; the Bantu this has tribes such as the Baganda, Basogo, Bagishu, Banyankole, Banyoro, Bakiga among others, the Nilotes that has tribes such as the Acholi, Langi, Alur, Itesots, Karamojong among others. The Nilo Hamites that have the Kakuwa, Lendu, Bari. The Hamites that have the Bahima, Tutsi, Hutu not forgetting the Pygmies that includes the Batwa people of far western Uganda.
The following are the main tribes of Uganda .
Baganda Tribe
The Baganda tribe covers mainly the central part of Uganda and they are the home to Kampala the capital city of Uganda. These group of people fall under the Bantu ethnic group that is the largest ethnic tribe in Uganda. They are believed to have migrated thousands of years ago from the south western part of Africa along River Niger and occupied the central and western part of Uganda. The Baganda people are also the most organised tribe in Uganda are led by their King Known as the kabaka. The current Kabaka right now is known as Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi II. The Buganda Kingdom is organised as it has the Palace and Parliament. It also has a UNESCO accredited world heritage site Kasubi tombs where the 4 dead former kings were buried. While in Centra Region of Uganda one can go a Royal tomb tour at Kasubi tomb. The Baganda people speak Luganda language and have beautiful traditional dances like Bakisimba, Muwogola, Nankasa being the most common type of dances and have numerous folk songs about food, alcohol, fishing, death, women and children not forgetting educative songs. There are a lot of folklore stories that shall indeed fulfil ones Uganda cultural tour at Buganda kingdom experience. As the Baganda have managed to preserve and keep their rich culture up to date. The Baganda tribe covers districts of Kampala, Mukono, Sembabule, Masaka, Luwero, Mubende, Mpigi, Rakai, Kalangala, kiboga, Wakiso to mention but a few.
Basoga Tribe
The Basoga tribe are a group of Bantu people who are found in the eastern part of Uganda also known as Busoga Region and comprises of districts of Jinja, Kamuli, Bugiri, Iganga, Namayingo, Mayuge, Jinja, Luuka, Namutumba, Kaliro, Bugweri and Buyende. The whole of Busoga region is organised under one King known as the Kyabazinga of Busoga. The current Kyabazinga of Busoga is known as William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV. The language spoken by the Basoga people is known as Lusoga. The Basoga Kingdom is found in Jinja city also known as tourist city a place filled with numerous attractions. While on a Uganda cultural tour/safari, after one visiting the Busoga kingdom and learning about its structure, the stories and myths, the beautiful basoga traditional dance and songs, the Railway Museum, one can also add fun and thrilling activities such as white water rafting at Bujagali falls, visit the source of the Nile and Speke monument, engage in Bungee jumping, Zip lining, horseback riding along the shores of River Nile, sport fishing, Birdwatching at the shores of River Nile to mention but a few. One can also visit the different fish landing sites like Masese, the Sugar plantations and Factories in the Region to mention But a few.
Batoro Tribe
The Batoro tribe are among Uganda’s organised tribes and are found in the western part of the country are also part of the Bantu Ethnic group. The main town for the Batoro is known as Fort Portal which is found in Kabarole. This tribe of Uganda is known for its beautiful and well-behaved women. The Batoro are organised Under one Kingdom known as the Toro kingdom that is headed by the King . locally known as Omukama and the current Omukama of Toro Kingdom is king Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and has been on throne since 3 and a half years. Th Batooro culture has a rich and diverse heritage and the kingdom is located at the heart of Port Portal the tourist city. While on a Uganda Cultural tour, one can visit the beautiful cultural spots at Fort portal such as amabere ga nyina Mwiru, Tooro Kingdom, Village walks and one can visit Semuliki national park, Sempaya hot springs, hike to mention but a few. The Batooro have beautiful traditional dances known as Entogoro or Orunyege and beautiful traditional songs. The Batoro People are mainly found in the districts of Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Kitagwenda, Kamwenge, Kasese and Ntoroko.
Banyankole Tribe
The tribe are a group of Bantu ethnic group found in south western part of Uganda commonly known as westerners by Ugandans. They are known for cattle rearing especially for dairy purposes and Usually rare Long horned known as Ankole cattle. The Banyankole women are known for their beauty as they are very curvy and nice-looking women with good skins. The Banyankole are not in any way organised under a Kingdom but they are very social and cooperative people and support each other as tribe mates. They speak Runyankole language and they have beautiful traditional dances known as Ekitaguriro dance and their women wear clothing called Mushanana and men wear busuti.
While on a Uganda Cultural tour one can visit the different parts of the country to be able to explore the different tribes and learn about them and explore the difficult beauty of tribes in Uganda.
