Uganda

Languages

Acholi ach

Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, Lamwo, Nwoya, Oyam, and Pader districts. Users: 1,500,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Includes 34,200 Dhopaluo (2014 census). Total users in all countries: 1,588,000. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Acoli, Acooli, Akoli, Atscholi, Dok Acoli, Gang, Log Acoli, Lwo, Lwoo, Lëbacoli, Shuli Autonym: Acholi Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Luo-Acholi, Alur-Acholi, Lango-Acholi

Alur alz

Arua, Nebbi, Nyadri, Yumbe, and Zombo districts: north of Lake Albert. Users: 985,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. 106,000 ethnically identified as Jonam (2014 census). Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Aloro, Alua, Alulu, Dho Alur, DhuAlur, Dhʉ Alur, Jo Alur, Lur, Luri Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Luo-Acholi, Alur-Acholi, Alur

Amba rwm

Bundibugyo and Ntoroko districts: Ruwenzori mountains, Democratic Republic of the Congo border area south of Lake Albert. Users: 42,600 in Uganda (2014 census), decreasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Total users in all countries: 47,100. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Baamba, Bulebule, Hamba, Humu, Kihumu, Ku-Amba, Kuamba, Lubulebule, Lwamba, Ruwenzori Kibira, Rwamba Autonym: Kwamba Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, D, Lega-Holoholo (D.22)

Aringa luc

Yumbe district: north of Lugbara, west of Ma’di. Users: 495,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Aringa Ti, Low Lugbara Autonym: Ãrị̃ngã tị Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Central

Ateso teo

Amuria, Bukedea, Butebo, Kaberamaido, Katakwi, Kumi, Ngora, Pallisa, Serere, Soroti, and Tororo districts; Lake Bisina area. Users: 2,360,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Total users in all countries: 2,778,000. Status: 4 (Educational). De facto language of provincial identity in Tororo, 10 other districts. Alternate Names: Bakedi, Bakidi, Elgumi, Etossio, Ikumama, Iteso, Teso, Wamia Autonym: Atεsᴐ Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Eastern, Lotuxo-Teso, Teso-Turkana, Teso

Bukusu bxk

Manafwa and Namisindwa districts. Majority of speakers live across the Kenyan border. Users: 37,100 in Uganda (2014 census). Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Babukusu, Lubukusu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.31)

Chiga cgg

Kabale, Kanungu, Kibaale, north Kisoro, Ntungamo, and Rukungiri districts. Users: 2,390,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Bachiga, Bahororo, Bakiga, Ciga, Kiga, Nkore, Nkore-Kiga, Oluchiga, Orukiga, Runyankore-Rukiga Autonym: Rukiga Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.14)

English eng

Widespread. Users: 29,004,100 in Uganda, all users. L1 users: 4,100 in Uganda (2016 J. Leclerc), increasing. L2 users: 29,000,000 (2014). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (2005, Constitution, Amendment Act, Article 6(1)). Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English

Fumbira kin

Kisoro district; Kabale and Ntungamo districts. Users: 1,240,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation; 713,000 Bafumbira, 524,000 Banyarwanda (2014 census). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Bafumbira, Banyarwanda, Kinyarwanda, Ruanda, Rufumbira, Runyarwanda, Rwanda Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Ruanda-Rundi (D.61)

Ganda lug

Buganda province: Lake Victoria northwest shore to Lake Kyoga and Tanzania border. Users: 10,950,000 in Uganda, all users. L1 users: 5,560,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. L2 users: 5,390,000 (2014 R. Nzogi). Total users in all countries: 11,004,750 (as L1: 5,614,750; as L2: 5,390,000). Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of national identity. Alternate Names: Baganda, LùGáànda, luGanda Autonym: Luganda Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.15)

Gungu rub

Buliisa district: Lake Albert northeast shore; down the Rift valley and hills above; Hoima district: Kigoroobya, both Town Council and Kigorobya (Rural) sub-county. Users: 84,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Rugungu Autonym: Lugungu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.101)

Gwere gwr

Budaka, Butaleja, Butebo, Kibuku, Mbale, Pallisa, and Sironko districts. Kaliro district (Lamoogi dialect). Users: 621,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Bagwere, Olugwere, oLugwere Autonym: Lugwere Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.17)

Hindi hin

Users: 5,300 in Uganda (2016 J. Leclerc). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Western Hindi, Hindustani

Ik ikx

Kaabong district: Dodoth county, Kamion subcounty. Users: 14,000 (2014 census), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Icietot, Ng’ateus, Ng’ateuso, Ngulak, Teus, Teuso, Teuth Autonym: Icetod Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Kuliak, Ik

Jopadhola adh

Tororo District: near Lake Victoria; Bugiri, Busia, Butaleja, and Namayingo districts. Users: 482,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Adhola, Badama, Ludama Autonym: Dhopadhola Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Adhola

Kakwa keo

Koboko and Yumbe districts. Users: 182,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Total users in all countries: 351,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Bari Kakwa, Kakua, Kwakwak Autonym: Kakuwâ Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Eastern, Bari

Kaliko kbo

Koboko district. Users: 5,000 in Uganda (1998 SIL), increasing. Status: 5 (Developing). Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Central

Kebu ndp

Zombo district: Warr and Kango areas; Arua district: Okoro county. Users: 54,100 in Uganda (2014 census). Census based on tribal affiliation. Total users in all countries: 154,100. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Ke’bu, Kebu’tu, Ndo, Ndu, Okebu Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, East, Mangbutu-Efe

Kenye lke

Buyende, Kaliro, Kibuku, Mayuge, Pallisa, and Serere districts: Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga basin; some in Bugiri, Busia, Kaberamaido, Kamuli, Kayunga, and Namayingo districts. Users: 99,900 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bakenyi, Kenyi, Lukenhe, Lukenye, Lukenyi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.16)

Konzo koo

Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kasese, and Ntoroko districts in Ruwenzori mountains; Bundibugyo district (Olhughendera dialect). Users: 893,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Includes 16,000 Banyabindi, 10,000 Banyabutumbi and 16,000 Basongora (2014 census). Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Bakonzo, Bayira, Konjo, Olukonjo, Olukonzo, Rukonjo, oluKonzo Autonym: Lhukonzo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Konzo-Ndandi (D.41)

Kuku ukv

Adjumani, Kayunga, Moyo, Obongi, and Yumbe districts; smaller populations in other districts. Users: 46,500 in Uganda (2014 census), decreasing. Total users in all countries: 242,500. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kukuu Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Eastern, Bari

Kumam kdi

Amuria, Kaberamaido, Serere, and Soroti districts: Lake Kwania area; some in Amolatar, Buyende, Dokolo, Kamuli, Lira, and Otuke districts. Users: 266,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Akokolemu, Akum, Ikokolemu, Ikumama, Kuman, Kumum Autonym: Kumam Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Kuman

Kupsapiiny kpz

Bukwa, Kapchorwa, and Kween districts; some in Amudat and Nakapiripirit districts; Kenya border area. Users: 274,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kuksabin, Kupsabiny, Sabiny, Sapei, Sebei Autonym: Kupsapiiny Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Elgon

Lango laj

Abim, Alebtong, Amolatar, Apac, Dokolo, Kole, Lira, Otuke, and Oyam districts: north of Lake Kyoga. Users: 2,130,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 4 (Educational). De facto language of provincial identity in Apac, 6 other districts north of Lake Kyogo. Alternate Names: Langi, Leb Laŋo, Leb Lango, Leb-Lango, Lwo, Lwoo, Lëblaŋo, leb Lano Autonym: Lëblango Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Luo-Acholi, Alur-Acholi, Lango-Acholi

Lugbara lgg

Arua, Koboko, Nyadri and Yumbe districts. Users: 1,100,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Total users in all countries: 1,940,000. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: High Lugbara, Logbara, Lubarati, Lugbarati, Western Lugbara Autonym: Lʉgbara tɨ Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Central

Ma’di mhi

Adjumani, Moyo, and Yumbe districts; some in Amuru and Nwoya districts; west and east Nile regions, near Nimule, north Sudan border. Users: 293,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Numbers probably include Southern Madi speakers. Total users in all countries: 326,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ma’adi, Ma’aditi, Ma’di ti, Ma’diti, Madi Autonym: Mãꞌdí Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Southern

Ma’di, Southern snm

Arua district: Madi-Okollo county; Nebbi, Nyadri, Yumbe, and Zombo districts. Users: 60,000 (2010 SIL), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Autonym: Ma’di Urule Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Southern

Masaaba myx

Bududa, Bulambuli, Manafwa, Mbale, and Sironko districts; Mount Elgon area. Users: 1,650,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Bagisu, Gisu, Kisu, Lugisu, Masaba Autonym: Lumasaaba, Masaaba Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.31)

Mvuba mxh

Users: 2,880 in Uganda (2014 census). Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, East, Mangbutu-Efe

Ndrulo dno

Hoima and Masindi districts; Zombo district: Nyapea, Paidha, and Zeu subcounties. Users: 18,900 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ndrŭló, Ndukpa, “Lendu North” (pej.), “Lendu-Ndrŭló” (pej.) Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, East, Lendu

Ng’akarimojong kdj

Amudat, Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, and Napak districts. Users: 691,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Includes 165,000 Jie, 129,000 Dodoth and 25,000 Napore (2014 census). Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Akarimojong, Karamojong, Karimojong, Karimonjong, N’Karamojong, Ng’akaramojong, Ngakarimojong, Ngakarimojongo, a-karamojoŋ, a-karimojoŋ, ŋaKaramojoŋ Autonym: ŋaKarimojoŋ Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Eastern, Lotuxo-Teso, Teso-Turkana, Turkana

Nubi kcn

Scattered. Arua, Bombo, Koboko, Kumi, Luwero, Ngora, and Yumbe districts: generally in larger population areas. Users: 28,800 in Uganda (2014 census), decreasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Total users in all countries: 50,100. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ki-Nubi, Kinubi Classification: Creole, Arabic based

Nyang’i nyp

Kaabong district: Dodoth county, Karenga subcounty along Nyang’ia mountains west side. Users: 20 (2011 SIL), decreasing. Ethnic population: 10,000 (2014 census). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Gyangiya, Ngangea, Ngapore, Ngiangeya, Niporen, Nipori, Nuangeya, Nyang’ia, Nyangeya, Nyangiya, Nyuangia, Upale Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Kuliak, Ngangea-So

Nyankore nyn

Bushenyi district: Ishaka municipality; Ibanda, Isingiro, Kabale, Kamwenge, Kasese, Kiruhura, Mbarara, Ntungamo, and Rubirizi districts. Users: 3,420,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Includes 152,000 Hororo and 49,000 Runyaruguru (2014 census). Total users in all countries: 3,433,000. Status: 4 (Educational). De facto language of provincial identity in Bushenyi, Mbarara, Ntungamo districts. Alternate Names: Nkole, Nyankole, Olunyankole, Runyankole, Ulunyankole, Ulunyankore Autonym: Runyankore Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.13)

Nyole nuj

Butaleja, Mbale, and Tororo districts. Users: 530,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: LoNyole, Nyule, Nyuli Autonym: Lunyole Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.35)

Nyoro nyo

Buliisa, Hoima, Kibaale, Kiryandongo, and Masindi districts; also Kiboga, Kyankwanzi, Kyegegwa, and Kyenjojo districts east of Lake Albert. Users: 967,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Kyopi, Lunyoro Autonym: Runyoro Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.11)

Pökoot pko

Amudat and Nakapiripirit districts. Users: 105,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Pakot, Pokot, Suk Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Pokot

Ruruuli-Runyala ruc

Kayunga, Kiryandongo, Masindi, and Nakasongola districts: west of Lake Kyoga area; some in Amolatar and Luwero districts. Users: 238,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. 190,000 Ruuli, 48,000 Nyala (2014 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Baruli, Luduuli, Ruli, Ruluuli, Ruluuli-Runyala, Rurulim, Ruuli, Ruuli-Nyala Autonym: Ruruuli-Runyala Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.103)

Saamya-Gwe lsm

Bugiri, Busia, and Namayingo districts: near Kenya border, Lake Victoria is southern boundary. Users: 525,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. 421,000 Saamya, 100,000 Gwe and 4,000 Heehe (2014 census). Total users in all countries: 609,800. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bagwe, Basamia, Saamia Autonym: Lusaamya-Lugwe, Ólusaamya Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luhya (E.34)

Soga xog

Bugiri, Buyende, Iganga, Jinja, Kamuli, Luuka, Mayuge, and Namayingo districts; between Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga. Namutumba district (Lukono and Lusiginyi dialects). Users: 2,960,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 4 (Educational). De facto language of provincial identity in Iganga, 4 other districts. Alternate Names: Olusoga Autonym: Lusoga Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.16)

Soo teu

Amudat, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, and Napak districts; Mount Kadam border area. Users: 50 (2012 SIL), decreasing. Ethnic population: 23,400 (2014 census). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Kadama, So, Toongi, “Tepes” (pej.), “Tepeth” (pej.) Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Kuliak, Ngangea-So

Swahili swh

Widespread. Users: 4,364,700 in Uganda, all users. L1 users: 4,700 in Uganda (2016 J. Leclerc). L2 users: 4,360,000 (2014). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national working language (2005, Constitution Amendment Act, Article 6(2)). Alternate Names: Kiswahili Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Swahili (G.42)

Talinga-Bwisi tlj

Bundibugyo district: Bwamba county, southwest of Fort Portal, between Albert and Edward lakes; Democratic Republic of the Congo border. Users: 101,000 in Uganda (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. Total users in all countries: 131,900. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bwisi, Bwissi, Kitalinga, Lubwissi, Mawissi, Olubwisi, Talinge Autonym: Lubwisi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.102)

Thur lth

Abim district: Labwor county. Users: 98,000 (2014 census). Census based on tribal affiliation. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Acholi-Labwor, Ethur, Labwor Autonym: Lëb Thur Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Core, Eastern Sudanic, Southern (n languages), Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Luo-Acholi, Alur-Acholi

Tooro ttj

Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kasese, Kibaale, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, and Ntoroko districts; West, south and southeast of Lake Albert. Users: 846,000 (2014 census), increasing. Census based on tribal affiliation. 811,000 Tooro, 35,000 Tuku (2014 census). Status: 4 (Educational). De facto language of provincial identity in Kabarole and Kabale districts. Alternate Names: Orutoro, Rutoro, Toro Autonym: Rutooro Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (E.12)

Ugandan Sign Language ugn

Scattered, mainly in urban areas. Users: 160,000 (2008 WFD). Approximately 0.35% of total population. Estimates vary widely: 160,000–840,000 deaf (2008 WFD); 528,000–800,000 deaf (Lule and Wallin 2010); over 700,000 deaf adults (2010 B. Oluoch). Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (1995, Constitution, Article XXIV(d)). Alternate Names: USL Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language