How Many Tribes Are in Uganda? Ethnic Groups and Peoples of Uganda
Uganda is home to dozens of indigenous communities, each with its own language, customs and history.
People often ask how many tribes are in Uganda. The number depends on how groups are counted, but the constitution lists around 65 indigenous communities, and in everyday use people speak of more than fifty. The largest group is the Baganda of the central region, followed by groups such as the Banyankore, Basoga, Bakiga, Iteso, Langi, Acholi, Bagisu and Banyoro.
Uganda's peoples belong to three broad linguistic families: Bantu, Nilotic and Central Sudanic, with a smaller Nilo-Hamitic strand in the north-east. Understanding this helps make sense of regional food, dance, dress and kingdoms; see culture and heritage tours and cultural safaris in Uganda.
This guide is part of our Uganda facts and travel information guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Uganda safari holidays with Ameera Africa Safaris.
At a glance
- Recognised communities: Around 65 in the constitution
- Largest group: Baganda (central)
- Language families: Bantu, Nilotic, Central Sudanic
- Smallest groups: Include the Batwa and Ik
Major Peoples and Where They Live
- Baganda: central Uganda around Kampala and Entebbe; the Buganda kingdom.
- Banyankore and Bakiga: south-west, around Mbarara, Kabale and Kisoro.
- Batooro and Banyoro: western Uganda around Fort Portal and Hoima.
- Basoga, Bagisu, Iteso: east, around Jinja, Mbale and Soroti.
- Acholi, Lango, Alur, Lugbara: north and West Nile.
- Karamojong: the dry north-east near Kidepo; see Karamojong culture.
Small and Minority Communities
The Batwa, former forest dwellers of the south-west, and the Ik of the north-east mountains are among the smallest communities in Uganda. Visitors can learn about Batwa heritage through the Batwa cultural experience. Travel with respect and ask your guide how best to visit communities.
Kingdoms and Cultural Institutions
Several kingdoms are recognised as cultural institutions, including Buganda, Bunyoro-Kitara and Tooro; see Uganda's kingdoms and the kingdom of Tooro.
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Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Uganda Travel Guide: Practical Planning for Your Safari
- Cultural Safaris in Uganda
- Uganda Currency: The Ugandan Shilling (UGX), Notes, Coins and Exchange
- Where Is Uganda? Location, Borders and Map of Uganda in Africa
- Is Uganda Landlocked? Lakes, Ports and Access to the Sea
- Uganda Facts and Travel Information: Geography, Climate, Currency, Visas and Attractions
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