Uganda is offering many different tribes, kingdoms and clans. The following will give you a short overview:

First there are the following five major language groups: Bantu, Nilotics, Madi - Muro, Highland Nilotics and Nilo - Hamites.

The Bantu:

The Bantu who constitute more than 50% of Uganda's total population occupy the southern part of the country. The Bantu were the earliest group to come to Uganda. They are found in the east, central, western and southern parts of the country.

The Nilo Hamites/Atekerin:

The second group is the category of people called the Atekerin group. The group is sometimes known as the Nilo-Hamites, Para Nilotes or the Lango. They live in the north, east and northeastern parts of the country. This group traces its origins to Ethiopia where they are said to have been one people. Migration pressures made them settle in different parts of Uganda, which led to marked differences between them. For instance the Langi lost their Ateker language and took up Luo spoken by their Acholi neighbours.

The Sebei constitute the Highland Nilotes.

The Luo:

The Luo constitute the other nilotic group. This group originated from southern Sudan. They live in West Nile, the northern and eastern parts of the country.

The Sudanic People:

The Sudanic speakers of West Nile form another group. They are sometimes referred to as the Madi-Moru group. Their origin can be traced to Sudan. Their language and culture are completely detached from their places of origin. This group is dominated by the Lugbara. This is because Lugbara was used by the colonial administration as the medium of instruction.

The Pygmoid People:

These are closest surviving relatives of the stone Age Man. They Constitute the Batwa and the Bambuti who live in western Uganda bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo.

But these groups of people comprise of different tribes, each with slightly different styles, tastes and kingdoms.

Within the Bantu culture you will find the follow tribes:

Baganda, Bakiga, Banyoro, Bakonjo/Bamba, Batooro, Banyankore, Bafumbira, Basoga, Basamia/Bagwe, Banyole, Bagwere, Bachwezi, Bagisu

Another very strong family is called the Nilotics. Herein you can find the following tribes: Acholi, Alur, Jopadhola and the Luo

It is said that the people belonging to the group of Nilo-Hamites have their origins in the northeast of ethiopia. These days you will find them in the eastern part of Uganda namely as Langi, Karimojong, Iteso, Kumam as well as the Kakwa

The group of Highland Nilotics in Uganda consists only of the Sebei

This group of people is found in southern Sudan, northeastern Zaire, and the Central African Republic. In Uganda it includes the Lugbara, the Madi, the Metu, the Okebu and the Lendu. They all trace their origins from southern Sudan but their customs and cultures differ significantly.

To see it in figures:

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%

The different tribes also have different kingdoms and therefore different expressions can be found for naming their kings: the Baganda call him the "Kabaka", Banyoro the "Omukama", Banyankole "Omugabe", Basoga "Kyabazinga", Alur "Rwoth-Obima", Ateso "Emorimori", Bakonjo "Omumbere" and for the Batoro King Oyo is the "Omukama"

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. For more information on the music topic, please check the music section.

While about two-thirds of the population is Christian (Roman Catholic 33%, Protestant 33%), the remaining third practises indigenous beliefs (18%) or follows Islam (16 %). 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.

Events Uganda celebrates many Christian holidays, including Christmas, Easter and Good Friday. The Muslim population honors Islamic holidays, which follow the Muslim calendar. Hari Raya Puasa, the sighting of the new moon, signifies the first day of the Muslim calendar and the end of Ramadan, the fasting month. Women's Day takes place throughout the country in early March. There are also several holidays associated with independence and events during the civil wars: NRM Anniversary Day is 26 January; Martyrs' Day is 3 June; Heroes' Day is 9 June; and Independence Day is 9 October.

For more information and pictures on people in Uganda and everyday life please check out this beautiful website with great pictures.