# Languages of Uganda

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Languages of Uganda Warning sign in Luganda, English and Swahili Official English[1] and Swahili National none Recognised Southern Luo, Lugbara, Runyankole, Lusoga, Ateso Indigenous Luganda, Lusoga, Lumasaba, Rutara/Runyakitara languages, Gungu, various Great Lakes Bantu languages (Greater Luyia, Western Lakes Bantu, and West Nyanza languages), various Nilotic languages (Teso-Turkana/Ateker, Luo, and Kalenjin languages), Kuliak languages, various Central Sudanic languages, and Ugandan Sign Language Vernacular Luganda, Ugandan English Minority many Bantu, Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, and Kuliak languages; Nubi Foreign English, Swahili, and Nubi Signed Ugandan Sign Language Keyboard layout QWERTY

[Language families](/source/Language_families) map of Uganda

The most widely spoken language in Uganda, especially in the capital city [Kampala](/source/Kampala), is [English](/source/English_language), which has been the country's official language since 1962, followed by [Luganda](/source/Luganda). English is used as the medium of instruction in schools — a legacy of the [colonial period](/source/Protectorate_of_Uganda) — and it also serves as the primary language for business and legal affairs.[2] [Swahili](/source/Swahili_language) is the third most spoken language after English and Luganda. Although more prevalent in neighboring [Kenya](/source/Kenya) and [Tanzania](/source/Tanzania), Swahili is taught in Ugandan schools as an optional subject and is primarily spoken by the military. In 2005, there were discussions about adopting Swahili as a second official language due to its perceived neutrality; however, this proposal has not yet been ratified by the government.[2] Swahili is also spoken in some communities near the borders with [South Sudan](/source/South_Sudan) and Kenya.[3]

[Uganda](/source/Uganda) is a [multilingual](/source/Multilingual) country with over 70 estimated languages in active use. Of the 44 living languages documented,[4] 41 are indigenous and 3 are non-indigenous ([English](/source/English_language), [Swahili](/source/Swahili), and [Nubi](/source/Nubi_language)). The indigenous languages fall into five major language families: [Bantu](/source/Bantu_languages), [Nilotic](/source/Nilotic_languages), [Central Sudanic](/source/Central_Sudanic_languages), [Kuliak](/source/Kuliak_languages), and [Ugandan Sign Language](/source/Ugandan_Sign_Language). These further subdivide into and include [Luganda](/source/Luganda), [Lusoga](/source/Soga_language), [Lumasaba](/source/Masaba_language), the [Rutara/Runyakitara languages](/source/Rutara_languages), [Gungu](/source/Gungu_language), various other [Great Lakes Bantu languages](/source/Great_Lakes_Bantu_languages) of the [Greater Luyia](/source/Greater_Luyia_languages), [Western Lakes Bantu](/source/Western_Lakes_Bantu_languages), and [West Nyanza](/source/West_Nyanza_languages) branches, the [Teso-Turkana/Ateker languages](/source/Teso%E2%80%93Turkana_languages), the [Luo languages](/source/Luo_languages), the [Kalenjin languages](/source/Kalenjin_languages), the [Kuliak languages](/source/Kuliak_languages), and various [Central Sudanic languages and sub-families](/source/Central_Sudanic_languages). [Ugandan Sign Language](/source/Ugandan_Sign_Language) is not known to be [phylogenetically related](/source/Language_classification) to any other language. [English](/source/English_language), [Swahili](/source/Swahili), and [Nubi](/source/Nubi_language) are [West Germanic](/source/West_Germanic_languages), [Northeast Coast Bantu](/source/Northeast_Coast_Bantu_languages), and [Arabic-based creole](/source/Arabic-based_pidgins_and_creoles) languages, respectively. The status of Uganda's languages varies: 5 are considered institutional, 27 are [developing](/source/Language_revitalization), 7 are established, 2 are [endangered](/source/Endangered_language), and 2 are nearly [extinct](/source/Extinct_language).[a]

## Languages

Sign in [Kinyarwanda](/source/Kinyarwanda) (Rufumbira dialect) and English in [Kisoro](/source/Kisoro)

In Bantu-speaking regions of Uganda, [dialect continua](/source/Dialect_continuum) are common. For instance, while speakers in the [Mbarara](/source/Mbarara) area use [Runyankore](/source/Runyankore) and those in the [Tooro Kingdom](/source/Tooro_Kingdom) speak [Rutooro](/source/Rutooro), the communities located between these regions often use dialects that blend features of both. Historically, these and other closely related languages — such as [Runyoro](/source/Runyoro), Rutooro, Runyankore, [Rukiga](/source/Rukiga), [Ruhema](/source/Ruhema), [Runyambo](/source/Runyambo), and [Ruhaya](/source/Ruhaya) — were [mutually intelligible](/source/Mutual_intelligibility) and shared a common literary tradition under the label Runyoro.

In 1952, distinct orthographies were established for Runyoro–Rutooro and Runyankore–Rukiga, marking a shift toward linguistic differentiation. Around 1990, the term *Runyakitara* emerged to collectively describe this cluster of mutually intelligible Bantu languages. Runyakitara is not associated with any single ethnic group but rather with the cultural heritage of the historical [Empire of Kitara](/source/Empire_of_Kitara). It has been promoted particularly in academic contexts, such as at [Makerere University](/source/Makerere_University). However, a fully unified orthography for Runyakitara has yet to be developed and widely adopted.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

In south-central Uganda, the Bantu languages of [Luganda](/source/Luganda) and [Lusoga](/source/Lusoga) are largely interintelligible as well. This dialectal similarity also extends to the Lussese language spoken in the [Ssese Islands](/source/Ssese_Islands) of [Lake Victoria](/source/Lake_Victoria).[5]

[Nilotic languages](/source/Nilotic_languages) include [Karamojong](/source/Karamojong_language) of eastern Uganda (population 370,000), the [Kakwa language](/source/Kakwa_language_(Africa)) in the extreme northwestern corner (about 150,000 population) and [Teso](/source/Teso_language) south of Lake Kyoga (3.2 million 9.6% of Uganda's population). Western Nilotic [Luo languages](/source/Luo_languages) include [Alur](/source/Alur_language) (population 459,000), [Acholi](/source/Acholi_language), [Lango](/source/Lango_language_(Uganda)), [Adhola](/source/Adhola_language) and [Kumam](/source/Kumam_language).

Some [Southern Nilotic](/source/Southern_Nilotic) [Kalenjin languages](/source/Kalenjin_languages) are spoken along the border with [Kenya](/source/Kenya), including [Pökoot](/source/P%C3%B6koot_language) and the [Elgon languages](/source/Elgon_languages) near Kupsabiny. [Kuliak languages](/source/Kuliak_languages) [Ik](/source/Ik_language) and [Soo](/source/Soo_language) are spoken in northeast Uganda. [Lugbara](/source/Lugbara_language), [Aringa](/source/Aringa_language), [Ma'di](/source/Ma'di_language) and [Ndo](/source/Ndo_language) of northwestern Uganda are members of the [Central Sudanic languages](/source/Central_Sudanic_languages).

## Language policy

In Uganda, as in many African countries, English was introduced in government and public life by way of missionary work and the educational system. During the first decades of the twentieth century, [Swahili](/source/Swahili_language) gained influence as it was not only used in the army and the police, but was also taught in schools. The [Baganda](/source/Baganda) viewed the introduction of Swahili as a threat to their political power and partly through their influence, English remained the only official language at that time.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

After independence, there were efforts to choose an African official language, with Swahili and Luganda as the most considered candidates. Although Luganda was the most geographically spread language, people outside [Buganda](/source/Buganda) were opposed to having it as a national language.[6] English remained the official language.[7]

[Ugandan English](/source/Ugandan_English), a local dialect of English, is largely influenced by native languages of the Ugandan people but very similar to both the [British](/source/British_English) and [American English](/source/American_English).

### Uganda National Kiswahili Council

In 2011, the [government of Uganda](/source/Government_of_Uganda) revealed plans to establish a [Swahili language](/source/Swahili_language) council to boost the teaching of the Swahili language in the country. However, it was not until 9 September 2019 that the cabinet passed resolution to create the National Kiswahili Council.[8]

The National Swahili Council is meant to guide the planning process, implementation of interventions and allocation of resources to the usage and development of Kiswahili as a [lingua franca](/source/Lingua_franca) – a language that is adopted as a common language between speakers whose [first languages](/source/First_language) are different.

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** One language's status is not noted here.

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [Constitution of Uganda](/source/Constitution_of_Uganda) Article 6

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_2-1) Nakayiza, Judith; Ssentanda, Medadi. ["English rules in Uganda, but local languages shouldn't be sidelined"](https://theconversation.com/english-rules-in-uganda-but-local-languages-shouldnt-be-sidelined-49381). *The Conversation*. Retrieved 14 May 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Uganda"](https://minorityrights.org/country/uganda/). *World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [*Ethnologue*, "Languages of Uganda"](http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=UG)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Alexandra Aikhenvald; Anne Storch, eds. (22 January 2013). [*Perception and Cognition in Language and Culture*](https://books.google.com/books?id=eeExAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA252). Koninklijke Brill NV. p. 252. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-04-23367-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-04-23367-6). Retrieved 22 December 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Ladefoged et al., 1972:28–30

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Mpuga 2003

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** URN. ["Ugandans must prepare to learn, speak Kiswahili – Ofwono"](https://observer.ug/news/headlines/61930-ugandans-must-prepare-to-learn-speak-kiswahili-ofwono). *The Observer – Uganda*. Retrieved 12 June 2020.

## Further reading

- Gordon, Raymond G., Jr. (ed.), 2005. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Fifteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International. Online version: [http://www.ethnologue.com/](http://www.ethnologue.com/). More specifically [Ethnologue report for Uganda](https://web.archive.org/web/20050514130844/http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=uganda), retrieved 19 August 2005.

- Ladefoged, Peter; Ruth Glick; Clive Criper; Clifford H. Prator; Livingstone Walusimbi (1972) *Language in Uganda* (Ford Foundation language surveys vol. 1). London/New York etc. Oxford University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-19-436101-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-19-436101-2)

- Mpuga, Douglas (2003) '[The official language issue: A look at the Uganda Experience](https://web.archive.org/web/20051003040258/http://www.umes.edu/english/newalp/pdf/douglasmpuga.pdf)'. Unpublished paper presented at the African Language Research Project Summer Conference, Maryland.

- Parry, Kate (ed.) (2000) *Language and literacy in Uganda: towards a sustainable reading culture*. Kampala: Fountain Publishers.

v t e Languages of Uganda Official languages English Swahili Ugandan Sign Language Indigenous languages Bantu Amba Gungu Gwere Khayo Kiga Kinyarwanda Luganda Luhya Marachi Masaba Nkore Nkore-Kiga Nyole Nyoro Nyoro-Tooro Ruuli Samia Singa Soga Talinga Tooro Nilo-Saharan Acholi Adhola Alur Aringa Bari Elgon Ik Karamojong Kuku Lango Lugbara Nyang'i Pökoot Soo Southern Luo Teso Others Runyakitara Nubi Oropom ?

v t e Uganda articles History Early (pre-1894) British rule (1894–1962) Early independence (1962–1971) Idi Amin (1971–1979) Uganda–Tanzania War Third Republic Uganda since 1986 Geography Cities and towns Conservation Lakes Mountains Protected areas Rivers Wildlife Politics Administrative divisions Constitution Corruption Elections Foreign relations Government President Vice President Prime Minister Cabinet Human rights Intersex LGBT rights Military Chief of Defence Forces Law enforcement Political parties Rebel groups Flag Economy Agriculture Banking Central bank Conservation Energy Fisheries Forestry Poverty Shilling (currency) Stock exchange Telecommunications Tourism Trade unions Transport Society Abortion Climate change Demographics Domestic violence Education Health Human trafficking Languages Polygamy Prostitution Religion Squatting Terrorism Water supply and sanitation Women Youth Culture Repatriated artefacts Cinema Cuisine Folklore Gomesi (dress) Kanzu (robe) Media Music Public holidays Sport World Heritage Sites Outline Category Portal

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v t e English-speaking world English speaking countries Further links Articles English-speaking world History of the English language British Empire English in the Commonwealth of Nations Anglosphere Lists List of countries by English-speaking population List of countries where English is an official language Countries and territories where English is the national language or the native language of the majority Africa Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Americas Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda The Bahamas Barbados Belize Bermuda British Virgin Islands Canada Cayman Islands Dominica Falkland Islands Grenada Guyana Jamaica Montserrat Saba Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sint Eustatius Sint Maarten South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands United States United States Virgin Islands Europe Guernsey Ireland Isle of Man Jersey United Kingdom Oceania Australia New Zealand Norfolk Island Pitcairn Islands Countries and territories where English is an official language, but not the majority first language Africa Botswana Cameroon Eswatini The Gambia Ghana Kenya Lesotho Liberia Malawi Mauritius Namibia Nigeria Rwanda Sierra Leone Somaliland South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe Americas Puerto Rico Asia Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Hong Kong India Pakistan Philippines Singapore Europe Gibraltar Akrotiri and Dhekelia Malta Oceania American Samoa Cook Islands Fiji Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Micronesia Nauru Niue Northern Mariana Islands Palau Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Tokelau Tuvalu Vanuatu Dependencies shown in italics.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Languages of Uganda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Uganda) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Uganda?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.