Languages of Uganda

[ach] 1,170,000 in Uganda (2002 census). 12,089 speakers of Dhopaluo (Ladefoged, Glick and Criper 1972), 20,631 ethnic Chope (2002 census). Population total all countries: 1,215,000. North, Kitgum District; Adjumani and Pader districts. Also in Sudan. Alternate names: Acoli, Acooli, Akoli, Atscholi, Dok Acoli, Gang, Log Acoli, Lwo, Lwoo, Shuli.  Dialects: Labwor, Nyakwai, Dhopaluo (Chopi, Chope).  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Luo-Acholi, Alur-Acholi, Lango-Acholi 
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[adh] 360,000 (2002 census). East, Tororo District (Uganda Districts Information Handbook). Alternate names: Dhopadhola, Ludama.  Dialects: Most distinct of Western Nilotic languages in Uganda.  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Adhola 
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[alz] 617,000 in Uganda (2002 census). 86,692 ethnic Jonam (Uganda Census 2002). Nebbi District north of Lake Albert; North West District of Arua and Yumbe. Alternate names: Aloro, Alua, Alulu, Dho Alur, Jo Alur, Lur, Luri.  Dialects: Jokot, Jonam, Mambisa, Wanyoro.  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Luo-Acholi, Alur-Acholi, Alur 
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[rwm] 35,600 in Uganda (2002 census). Population total all countries: 40,100. Democratic Republic of the Congo border area south of Lake Albert, Beni District, Watalinga and Bawisa subcounties; Ruwenzori Mountains, Bundibugyo District. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Alternate names: Bulebule, Hamba, Humu, Kihumu, Ku-Amba, Kuamba, Lubulebule, Lwamba, Ruwenzori Kibira, Rwamba.  Dialects: Kyanzi (Kihyanzi), Suwa (Kusuwa). Similar to Bera [brf], Bila [bip], Komo [kmw], Bhele [bhy]. Lexical similarity: 70% with Bera [brf], 57%–59% with Bila, Kaiku [kkq], Komo, and Bhele, 25% with Nande [nnb], 34% with Talinga-Bwisi [tlj].  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, D, Bira-Huku (D.30) 
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[luc] 589,000 (1991 census). Northwest corner, north of Lake Albert, Yumbe District, Aringa County, north of Lugbara, west of Ma’di. Alternate names: Low Lugbara.  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Central 
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[bfa] 60,000 in Uganda. 34,699 Kuku speakers. Northwest corner. Alternate names: Beri.  Dialects: Kuku, Nyepu (Ngyepu, Nyefu, Nyepo, Nypho), Pöjulu (Pajulu, Fadjulu, Fajulu, Fajelu), Nyangbara (Nyangwara, Nyambara), Mondari (Mandari, Mundari).  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Eastern, Bari 
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[cgg] 1,580,000 (2002 census). Extreme southwest: Kanungu, Kabale, Kisoro, Ntungamo, and Rukungiri districts. Alternate names: Ciga, Kiga, Nkore-Kiga, Oluchiga, Orukiga, Rukiga.  Dialects: Twa (Rutwa). 72% intelligible with Nyankore [nyn]. Lexical similarity: 84%–94% with Nyankore [nyn], 77% with Nyoro [nro], 75% with Zinza [zin], 72% with Nyambo [now], 70% with Haya [hay], 68% with Tooro [ttj], 63% with Kerewe [ked].  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10) 
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[eng]   Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English 
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[lug] 4,130,000 (2002 census). Southeast, primarily Buganda Province, Lake Victoria northwest shore to Lake Kyoga and Tanzania border. Alternate names: Luganda.  Dialects: Kooki (Olukooki), Sese (Olusese), Vuma (Luvuma), Diopa (Ludiopa). Lexical similarity: 71%–86% with Soga [xog], 68% with Gwere [gwr].  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10) 
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[guj] 147,000 in Uganda (1986).  Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Gujarati 
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[rub] 49,000 (2002 census). Hoima and Masindi districts, Buliisa, Bilso, and Kigorobya subcounties, Rift Valley, Lake Albert northeast shore; hills above the valley. Alternate names: Lugungu, Rugungu.  Dialects: 58% or lower inherent intelligibility with Nyoro-Tooro. Tooro [ttj] is the most similar language. Lexical similarity: 65% with Tooro.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10) 
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[gwr] 409,000 (2002 census). Pallisa District, dominating 2 of the district’s 4 counties. Alternate names: Lugwere, Olugwere.  Dialects: Lexical similarity: 68% with Ganda [lug], 64% with Soga [xog], 77% with Kenyi [lke], 81% with Lamogi [xog], 79% with Lusiki.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10) 
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[hin] 2,200 in Uganda (1994).  Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Central zone, Western Hindi, Hindustani 
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[ikx] 10,000, increasing. Ethnic population: 10,000. Northeast Karamoja. Alternate names: Icetot, Icietot, Ngulak, Teuso, Teuth.  Dialects: Very different from other Eastern Sudanic languages.  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Kuliak, Ik 
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[keo] 130,000 in Uganda (2002 census). Population total all countries: 190,000. Northwest corner, West Nile District. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan. Alternate names: Bari Kakwa, Kakua, Kwakwak.  Dialects: Dialects of Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda differ little (Nida). Very different from other Eastern Nilotic languages of Uganda.  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Eastern, Bari 
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[kdj] 260,000 (2002 census). 50,000 Jie (1986 MARC). East and northeast, Karamojo District, Moroto area. Alternate names: Karimojong, Karimonjong.  Dialects: Karamojong, Jie (Jiye), Dodos (Dodoth). Lexical similarity: 83%–95% between dialects, 85% with Turkana [tuv], 75% with Teso [teo].  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Eastern, Lotuxo-Teso, Teso-Turkana, Turkana 
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[lke] 390,000. Busoga Province between Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga. Alternate names: Lukenyi.  Dialects: Welmers lists Olusoga and Lukenyi separately. Lexical similarity: 81% with Soga [xog], 71%–86% with Ganda [lug], 64% with Gwere [gwr], 58% with Saamia [lsm].  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10) 
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[koo] 609,000 in Uganda (2002 census). Southwest, Ruwenzori Mountains. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Alternate names: Konjo, Lhukonzo, Olukonjo, Olukonzo, Rukonjo.  Dialects: Sanza (Ekisanza), Rukonzo (Rukonjo). Nande [nnb] (Kinande) in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Konzo (Lukonzo) in Uganda are 2 varieties of the same language. Nande is influenced by French and Swahili [swh]; Konzo by Luganda, Tooro [ttj], and English. Olhughendera is spoken in Bundibuygo District, and Lusongora is spoken in Basogangora. Lexical similarity: 77% with Nande.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Konzo (J.40) 
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[kdi] 174,000 (2002 census). West Teso District, south of Lake Kwania. Alternate names: Akokolemu, Akum, Ikokolemu, Ikumama, Kuman, Kumum.  Dialects: Lexical similarity: 82% with Acholi [ach], 81% with Lango [laj].  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Kuman 
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[kpz] 181,000 (2002 census). East, Kapchorwa District, Kenya border. Alternate names: Kuksabin, Sapei, Sebei.  Dialects: Sabiny (Sapiny, Kupsabiny, Kupsapiny), Mbai, Sor.  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Elgon 
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[laj] 1,490,000 (2002 census). Central, Apac and Lira districts, north of Lake Kyoga. Alternate names: Langi, Leb-Lano, Lwo, Lwoo.  Dialects: Distinct from Acholi [ach] (Lwo), Lango [lno] of Sudan (related to Lotuko), or Lango [did] (Didinga) of Sudan.  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Western, Luo, Southern, Luo-Acholi, Alur-Acholi, Lango-Acholi 
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[led] 11,100 in Uganda (2002 SIL). Nebbi District, northwest of Lake Albert. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Lendu 
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[lgg] 797,000 in Uganda (2004). 90,828 in Vurra, 170,853 in Ayivu, 146,235 in Maracha, 157,632 in Terego, 95,504 in Madi Okollo, 42,365 in Arua Municipality, 93,762 in Koboko. Population total all countries: 1,637,000. Northwest, Arua and Yumbe districts. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Alternate names: High Lugbara, Lugbarati.  Dialects: Arua (Standard Lugbara), Maracha, Terego (Omugo). Lexical similarity; 93% between the Maracha and Terego dialects, 87% between the Arua and Terego dialects, 80% between the Arua dialect and Ogoko Southern Madi [snm], 76% between the Arua dialect and Okollo Southern Madi [snm] (1992 SIL Survey).  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Central 
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[mhi] 296,000 in Uganda (2002 census). These numbers probably include Southern Madi speakers. Population total all countries: 314,000. North, Moyo and Adjumani districts, West Nile District near Nimule, north Sudan border. Also in Sudan. Alternate names: Ma’adi, Ma’diti.  Dialects: Moyo, Adjumani (Oyuwi). Lexical similarity 89% between the Moyo and Oyuwi Ma’di dialects, 85% between the Oyuwi and Ogoko Southern Ma’di [snm], 80% between the Moyo and Ogoko Southern Ma’di, 78% between the Moyo and Aringa Lugbara [lgg], 76% between the Oyuwi and Arniga Lugbara, 64% between the Moyo and Okolli Southern Ma’di, and 59% between the Oyuwi and Okollo Southern Ma’di (SIL 1992 Moru-Ma’di Survey Report).  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Southern 
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[snm] 48,000 (1983 SIL). Arua District, Madi-Okollo County, Nile River west bank. Alternate names: Southern Ma’di.  Dialects: Okollo, Ogoko, Rigbo. More similar to Lugbara [lgg] than to Ma’di (Moyo) [mhi], which they do not understand. Ogoko and Rigbo dialects are more similar to Lugbara than Okollo is; intelligibility testing needed. Okollo considered more ‘pure’ than the others. “The ‘southern Ma’di’ dialects, spoken in the area of Rigbo, Ogoko, and Okollo, Uganda, should be considered Lugbara dialects” (SIL 1992 Moru-Ma’di Survey Report). Lexical similarity: 85% between the Ogoko dialect and Adjumani Ma’di [mhi], 83% between Okollo and Ogoko, 80% between Ogoko and Arua Lugbara, 80% between Ogoko and Moyo Ma’di, 78% between Ogoko and Moyo Ma’di, 76% between Okollo dialect and Arua Lugbara [lgg], 64% between Okollo and Moyo Ma’di, 59% between Okollo and Adjumani Ma’di [mhi] (SIL Survey, 1992).  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Moru-Madi, Southern 
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[myx] 1,120,000 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 953,936. East, Mbale and Sirinko districts, adjacent to Mount Elgon. Alternate names: Gisu, Lugisu, Lumasaaba, Masaba.  Dialects: Dadiri (North), Buya (Central, South). Intelligibility with Dadiri and Buya 83%. Central and Southern varieties of Buya 93%. Lexical similarity: 62% with Saamia [lsm], 52% with Isukha [ida], 50% with Logooli [rag].  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luyia (J.30) 
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[ndp] 33,800 in Uganda (2002 census). Population total all countries: 133,800. Northwest. Mahigi is center. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Alternate names: Kebu, Ndu, Oke’bu.  Dialects: Avari (Aviritu, Avere), Oke’bu (Ndo Oke’bu, Kebutu, Kebu), Membi.  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Central Sudanic, East, Mangbutu-Efe 
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[kcn] 26,100 in Uganda (2002 census). Population total all countries: 36,220. Bombo, 50 km north of Kampala, Arua, elsewhere. Also in Kenya, United States. Alternate names: Ki-Nubi, Kinubi.  Dialects: Conflicting reports of intelligibility with Sudanese Creole Arabic [pga]. 90% of the lexicon comes from Arabic.  Classification: Creole, Arabic based 
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[nyp] No known speakers. Ethnic population: 15,282 Nyangia (2002 census). East, Kotido District, Dodoth County, Karenga Subcounty along Nyangea Mountians’ west side. Alternate names: Gyangiya, Ngangea, Ngapore, Ngiangeya, Niporen, Nipori, Nuangeya, Nyangeya, Nyangia, Nyangiya, Nyuangia, Poren, Upale.  Dialects: A separate language from Ik [ikx].  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Kuliak, Ngangea-So 
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[nyn] 2,330,000 (2002 census). 141,668 Hororo, 1,643,193 Hima. Southwest, Bushenyi and Mbarara districts mainly; Kanungu, Ntungamo, and Rukungiri districts. Alternate names: Nkole, Nyankole, Runyankole, Ulunyankole, Ulunyankore.  Dialects: Hororo, Hima. Hima may be a separate language. Lexical similarity: 78%–96% between Nyankore, Nyoro [nyo], and their dialects, 84%–94% with Chiga [cgg], 75%–86% with Tooro (Nyoro) [nyo], 81% with Zinza [zin], 78% with Nyambo [now], 74% with Haya [hay], 68% with Kerewe [ked].  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10) 
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[nuj] 341,000 (2002 census). Southeast, Tororo District. Alternate names: Lunyole, Nyule, Nyuli.  Dialects: Menya (Lumenya), Hadyo (Luhadyo), Sabi (Lusabi), Wesa (Luwesa). Lexical similarity: 70%–80% with Saamia [lsm], 82% with the Lugwe dialect of Saamia, 67% with Ganda [lug], 61% with Nyore [nyd] of Kenya.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luyia (J.30) 
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[nyo] 667,000 (2002 census). West, Hoima, Masindi, Bundibugyo, Kamwenge, and Kibale districts, south and southeast of Lake Albert. Alternate names: Runyoro.  Dialects: Rutagwenda, Orunyoro (Nyoro). 73% inherent intelligibility with Gungu [rub]. Hema-Sud [nyo] (Nyoro-Toro) in Democratic Republic of the Congo is quite different. Lexical similarity: 78%–93% with Tooro [ttj], 77% with Nyankore [nyn] and Chiga [cgg], 67% with Nyambo [now] and Zinza [zin], 66% with Haya [hay], 62% with Kerewe [ked].  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10) 
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[pko] 70,400 in Uganda (2002 census). East central, near Kupsabiny. Alternate names: Pakot, Pokot, Suk.  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Southern, Kalenjin, Pokot 
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[run] 101,000 in Uganda (1991 census). Most in Buganda. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Rwanda-Rundi (J.60) 
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[ruc] 160,000 (2002 census). Ethnic population: 139,517 Baruli, 20,615 Banyara (2002 census). Central, Nakasongola (mainly), Masindi, Luwero, and Kayunga districts, west of the Nile, Lake Kyoga area. Alternate names: Luduuli, Ruli, Ruruli.  Dialects: Runyara. Nakasongola (east) is influenced by Ganda [lug], and in Kuyanoongo (west) by Nyoro [nyo]. Lexical similarity: 71% with Nyoro, 70% between Eastern Ruli and Ganda.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10) 
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[kin] 764,000 in Uganda (2002 census). 448,918 speakers of Rufumbira and 314,987 of Rwanda. Southwest border with Rwanda, Kisoro (mainly), Kabale, and Ntungamo districts. Alternate names: Ruanda, Runyarwanda.  Dialects: Rufumbira, Twa.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Rwanda-Rundi (J.60) 
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[lsm] 335,000 in Uganda (2002 census). 279,972 Basaamia and 75,257 Bagwe (2002 census). East, Busia District, Kenya border, Lake Victoria is south border. Also in Kenya. Alternate names: Luhya, Luluyia, Luyia.  Dialects: Saamia (Samia), Songa, Gwe (Lugwe). Lexical similarity: 88% between the Gwe and Saamia dialects.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Masaba-Luyia (J.30) 
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[sgm] Extinct. Rusinga Island. Alternate names: Logang, Lusinga.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10) 
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[xog] 2,060,000 (2002 census). 184,962 Balamogi, 169,156 Basiki (Basoga Cultural Research Centre). Central, between lakes Victoria and Kyoga: Kamuli, Bagiri and Mayuge districts; Kaliro District (Lulamogi Dialect); Jinja District (Lutenga Dialect); Iganga District, Busiki County (Lusiki Dialect). Alternate names: Lusoga, Olusoga.  Dialects: Soga, Tenga (Lutenga), Lamogi (Lulamogi), Siki (Lusiki), Gabula (Lugabula). Lexical similarity 81% with Kenyi [lke], 71% to 86% with Ganda [lug], 64% with Gwere [gwr], 58% with Saamia [luy]. Tenga dialect has 82% with Ganda; Lamogi has 79% to 82% with Tenga, 92% with Siki, 69% with Soga, and both Lusiki and Lulamogi share 83% with Lukenyi. Lusiki 79% with Gwere [gwr]; Lulamogi 81% with Gwere.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10) 
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[teu] 5,000 (Ladefoged, Glick and Criper 1972). Ethnic population: 21,534 (census 2002). East, Moroto District, Moroto, Napak, and Kadam mountains border. Alternate names: So, Tepes, Tepeth.  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Kuliak, Ngangea-So 
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[swh] 2,330 in Uganda (2000).  Alternate names: Kisuaheli, Kiswahili.  Dialects: Shamba (Kishamba).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, G, Swahili (G.40) 
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[tlj] 68,500 in Uganda (2002 census). Population total all countries: 99,400. Democratic Republic of the Congo border, Bwamba County, Bundibugyo District, southwest of Fort Portal, between Albert and Edward lakes, near Kilembe. Also in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Alternate names: Bwissi, Kitalinga, Lubwisi, Lubwissi, Mawissi, Olubwisi.  Dialects: 68% inherent intelligibility with Tooro. Lexical similarity: 73% with Tooro [ttj], 72% with Nyoro [nyo], 40% with Nande [nnb].  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Haya-Jita (J.20) 
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[teo] 1,570,000 in Uganda (2002 census). Population total all countries: 1,849,000. East, Katakwi (mainly), Soroti, Kaberamaido, Kumi, Pallisa, and Tororo districts. Lokathan, Madial area, Nangeya Mountains north end. Also in Kenya. Alternate names: Ateso, Bakedi, Bakidi, Elgumi, Etossio, Ikumama, Wamia.  Dialects: Lokathan (Biri, Ketebo, Mening), Orom (Rom). Limited intelligibility with other varieties in the Teso-Turkana group. The dialect in Ngoro is considered standard. Lexical similarity: 76% with Turkana [tuv], 75% with Karamojong [kdj].  Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Eastern Sudanic, Nilotic, Eastern, Lotuxo-Teso, Teso-Turkana, Teso 
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[ttj] 488,000 (1991 census). Ethnic population: 20,536 Batuku (2002 census). West, south and southeast of Lake Albert; Kabarole, Kibale, Bundibugyo, Kamwenge, Kyenjojo and Kasese districts. Alternate names: Orutoro, Rutooro, Rutoro, Toro.  Dialects: Tuku. Hema [nix] (Nyoro-Toro) in Democratic Republic of the Congo is quite different. Lexical similarity: 78%–93% with Nyoro [nyo].  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, J, Nyoro-Ganda (J.10) 
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[ugn]  Widespread, mainly in towns. Alternate names: USL.  Classification: Deaf sign language 
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