People and culture
Uganda has long been a cultural melting pot, as evidenced by the existence of more than 30 different indigenous languages belonging to five distinct linguistic groups, and an equally diverse cultural mosaic of music, art and handicrafts.
Language:
English is the official national language, taught in grade schools and universities, used in offices and courts of law, used by most newspapers and some radio broadcasts. Out of the over fifty (50) local languages; Luganda is the most widely used of the Ugandan local languages, preferred for native language publications in the capital and taught in some schools. Swahili is not a native language, but widely used in the northern and eastern parts of the country. Here is a Guide to the Words Commonly Used in Local Languages
Greeting
| English | How are you? I’m fine |
| Luganda | Olyotya? Gyendi (GYE is pronounced JE) |
| Swahili | Habari gani/ Habari yako, Muzuri |
The word money
| English | Money; How much money? |
| Luganda | Sente; Sente meka? |
| Swahili | Pesa; Pesa ngapi? |
The Magic Words
| English | Please, Thank you, Sorry |
| Luganda | Bambi, Webale, Nsonyiwa |
| Swahili | Thafadhali, Asanti, Nisamehe |
Asking a Taxi to Drop You at the Stage of Destination
| English | Parking/ Stage |
| Luganda | Mumaso awo/ Stage |
| Swahili | Mbele Hapo |
Religions
Uganda has many religions but the most popular ones are;
- Roman catholic (41%)
- Anglican (40%)
- Islam (5%)
Bargaining and haggling are common in Uganda’s markets, ranging from groceries, craft and souvenirs shops to boutiques; as prices are sometimes hiked for those who appear to be unfamiliar with the country; including all non-blacks. But note that bargaining or haggling is not allowed in supermarkets as the products are price tagged.