QUICK FACTS - PEOPLE
Population
Uganda's population is made up of a complex and diverse range of tribes. Lake Kyoga forms the northern boundary for the Bantu-speaking peoples, who dominate much of east, central and southern Africa. In Uganda they include the Buganda and several other tribes. In the north live the Lango and the Acholi, who speak Nilotic languages. To the east are the Teso and Karamojong, who are related to the Maasai and who also speak Nilotic languages. Pygmies live in the forests of the west.
Each tribe has its musical history; songs are passed down from generation to generation. Ndigindi (lyre), entongoli (harp), amadinda (xylophone) and lukeme (thumb piano) are commonly played instruments. An Acholi, Okot p'Bitek, is one of Uganda's most famous writers of folklore, satirical poems and songs. His book Song of Lawino (1966) describes the stories told in Acholi songs.
While about two-thirds of the population is Christian, the remaining third still practises animism or follows Islam. There were sizeable numbers of Sikhs and Hindus in the country until Asians were expelled in 1972, although many are now returning following an invitation from the president.
For the most part, Ugandan cuisine consists of a stodge filler with beans or a meat sauce. Main dishes are usually centred on beef, goat or mutton and the starch comes from ugali, or maize meal. Ugali is cooked up into a thick porridge until it sets hard. It's then served up in flat bricks. If that doesn't sound appealing, the country's tropical climate contributes to a healthy choice of fruits. Something you don't come across very often but which makes an excellent snack meal is mkate mayai (bread eggs). Originally an Arab dish, it's wheat dough spread into a thin pancake, filled with minced meat and raw egg, and then folded into a neat parcel and fried on a hotplate. Beer is probably the most widely available commodity across Uganda. Pombe is a locally made fermented banana beer and waragi the local millet-based alcohol. Both can knock you around and give you a mean hangover.
Uganda currently has a population of 24,699,073, estimates taking into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected. The population growth rate is about
2.94% with a birth rate of 47.15 births/1,000 population and a death rate of 17.53 deaths/1,000 population
The Net migration rate is about
-0.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population According to the UNHCR, by the end of 2001, Uganda was host to 178,815 refugees from a number of neighboring countries, including: Sudan 155,996, Rwanda 14,375, and Democratic Republic of the Congo 7,459
The Sex ratio
at birth is approximately 1.03 male(s)/female; under 15 years 1.01 male(s)/female; 15-64 years 1 male(s)/female; 65 years and over 0.89 male(s)/female
Infant mortality rate is at
89.35 deaths/1,000 live births and life expectancy at birth is: total population; 43.81 years, female; 44.67 years; male; 42.97 years.
Its estimated that one Uganda woman bears 6.8 children (fertility rate). However about 6.1% of the population is carrying the HIV/AIDS virus. So about 1.1 million people are infected with HIV and about 110,000 people die of AIDS every year.
 The people of Uganda are called Ugandans i.e noun: Ugandan(s) adjective: Ugandan. The country comprise of several ethinic groups ie Baganda 17%, Ankole 8%, Basoga 8%, Iteso 8%, Bakiga 7%, Langi 6%, Rwanda 6%, Bagisu 5%, Acholi 4%, Lugbara 4%, Batoro 3%, Bunyoro 3%, Alur 2%, Bagwere 2%, Bakonjo 2%, Jopodhola 2%, Karamojong 2%, Rundi 2%, non-African (European, Asian, Arab) 1%, other 8%
Age structure
0-14 years: 50.9% (male 6,314,371; female 6,265,681) 15-64 years: 47% (male 5,803,430; female 5,789,713) 65 years and over: 2.1% (male 247,798; female 278,080) Religion
Roman Catholic 28%, Protestant 27%, Muslim 15%, Pentecostals 20% and indigenous beliefs 10%
Languages
English is the official national language, taught in grade schools, used in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio broadcasts, Ganda or Luganda-most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages, preferred for native language publications in the capital and is also be taught in school. The Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili is also taught as a subject in colleges, high schools and higher institutions of learning. Its should be noted that Swahili is mostly used by the military and security personel. Others are French and Arabic and Germany.
Uganda is a country of many contrasts. The forbidding mountains act as a foil to the softer meadows and broad savannah, while the dry uplands contrast with the swamplands of the lake shores.
The contrasts between the various peoples of Uganda reflect this variety of surroundings and are demonstrated in the multiplicity of cultures traditions and lifestyles.
Uganda has been created by the union of many peoples. Ancient people with their own traditional lands, their own customs and a way of life inherited from their ancestors. They now live together as one people. Today we are all proud to be Ugandans, while we cherish the memory of our history and keep alive the tradition of our ancestors.
Uganda is a result of the unification of ancient kingdoms, as well as many smaller independent chieftainances which are now part of the richness of our modern state. Their heritage lives on in the hearts of the people, their traditional dress, languages, dances and customs.
The largest cultural group are the Baganda people, whose kingdom has always been influential in Ugandan affairs. Amongst our ethnic groups are many others that include those in the the Kingdom of Toro, the Banyankole, the Acholi, Basoga and Lugbara.
Religious tolerance is an important part of present-day Uganda. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and others all live in harmony, free to practice their own religion. Our temples and churches are buildings of great slendour, and venues for impressive festivals and celebrations. Of special interest is the Lake Mburo Cultural Village which the Ankole people have created to highlight the customs and history of their kingdom.
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