Uganda Language

All About The Languages of Uganda

Uganda in East Africa, furthermore referred to as the Pearl of Africa, has approximately 40 million inhabitants. There are approximately 56 tribes that speak various languages, but most of the Ugandans also use English as their language to communicate.

Uganda has a diverse range of languages, with as many as 41. Due to colonization, English was considered the official language, which Luganda and Swahili later followed. Only the aristocrats and high government officials used English to associate it with high class and good education. Studying the Uganda language and its origins has been of interest to many lately. 

How English has Evolved in Uganda?

Since independence in 1962, English has been one of the official languages in Uganda. Like many African countries, English was being introduced to the place of the government and public lives with the help of missionary works and educational systems. Now around 29 million people in Uganda speak English and consider it their native language.

Once they start to attend school, the Ugandans do have to learn the English language, which makes them use the language later on. But those visiting this African place have soonly recognized that the English spoken in Uganda is different from the British and American English. Soon it came to be more like Ugandan English – English. This English has even got its dictionary to help the foreigners arriving in Uganda.

Despite all this, Uganda is considered Africa’s top English-speaking country. Surprised right? But that’s the truth.

Languages Spoken in Uganda:

Uganda is a multilingual nation in East Africa with approximately 41 native languages. A number of the widespread languages that are being used in Uganda areas are listed underneath:

  • English

English is one of the mainly accepted and most popular languages being spoken extensively throughout the whole globe. Each area has its dialects that slightly differ from other dialects in English. For instance, there is the American as well as the British English. Similarly, once you come to Uganda, you will find one more – the Ugandan English called the English.

The use of English in Uganda is mainly associated with high-class status and higher education. Even though homes and schools use the local tribal Ugandan language, English is widely used to communicate information in media, government offices, education, and politics.

  • Swahili

Swahili is also the official language of Uganda that was awarded the official status in 2005. The Swahili language is primarily used in East and Southern African countries like Kenya and Tanzania. This language is more prevalent amongst military personnel and police forces.

Although English is also considered Uganda’s official language, when people say the Uganda language, they often speak Swahili alone as their official one. Even though there isn’t an exact figure of how many people use this language, nearly 90 million people are said to speak it as their second languages.

  • Luganda

Luganda is also a popular language that has been spoken throughout the country. The Buganda people are the ones who commonly use this language living in the Central area of Uganda. It is popular in all domains such as media, education, trading, music, church, etc.

English is considered the language of the high-class and literate people. Similarly, Luganda is in use by the Baganda as a high-status language. Until the 1960s, this language was the main language used in primary schools. But later on, it was turned down many times as the country’s national language.

  • Kiswahili

Since the country’s independence from the British, the language policy in Uganda has significantly changed. A national council in Uganda to promote the Kiswahili language in the educational sector.

This council primarily aimed in promoting Kiswahili as the national language. In the same way, people with various dialects were able to communicate with the Kiswahili language with one.

Other Languages Spoken in Uganda are as follows:

– Rutooro
– Rukiga
– Lusoga
– Luo
– Alur
– Ateso

Looking For The Best Translation Services?

As you have seen, Uganda, an ethnically diverse country, has many languages spoken by the different tribes, and most of them are affectionately attached to each of their languages.
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