The forty languages spoken in Uganda belong to three major language families: Central Sudanic, Nilotic, and Bantu. Uganda has many ethnic groups, but none of them form a majority. The country regularly uses about forty different languages.
After gaining independence, English was made the official national language. Ugandan English is a local dialect that is easy to understand.
While in Kampala
Luganda is the most widely spoken local language in Uganda. It was originally spoken mainly by the Ganda people (Baganda) in urban areas of Kampala and in towns and villages across the Buganda region, which includes Kampala.
Uganda is one of the top English-speaking countries in Africa. English is widely spoken in cities, but in rural areas, many people may not be able to hold a conversation in English.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is in a rural part of southwest Uganda, where most people speak Lukiga and Lufumbira as their native languages.
However, the staff at lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the tour guides speak English well because they are carefully selected and trained for their jobs.
On most planned community tours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, guides will ensure that a translator is available to help you communicate with the local people.
Other Languages
Swahili is a language spoken widely across Eastern and Central Africa. Although it is a politically sensitive issue, Swahili was made Uganda’s second official national language in 2005.
However, Bantu-speaking communities in the south and southwest of the country have not widely accepted the language. Swahili is commonly used by the military and police.
Related Article: Cultural Sites in Uganda – Exploring the Nation’s Rich Heritage & Traditions
