Culture
As a nation, Uganda is an amalgamation of ancient kingdoms and independent chieftains. Among the indigenous kingdoms are the Baganda, Bunyoro, Toro, Ankole and Busoga. The Kingdoms were suppressed in the times of the troubles that razed the country in the two decades after 1967. Today they have been restored with their ancient privileges shorn and play only a ceremonial role in the life of the nation. The Baganda king, the Kabaka, whose domicile is Kampala has historically been the most prominent. His lineage stretches back to the 14th century.

Swahili, the language originating from the east African coast is widely spoken though not as well as in Kenya or Tanzania. Luganda, the language of the Kabaka, is also widely spoken. English is is understood by good numbers though only in urban areas. For the most part, local cuisine consists of matoke (a staple based on green bananas), millet bread, cassava, sweet potatoes, chicken, goat and beef stews and freshwater fish. Ugali, the maize meal based filler popular in east Africa is used as an accompaniment for meat or vegetable dishes. You will easily a decent locally brewed beer. Popular brands include Bell, Club and Nile Special. The national drink is however a banana gin known as waragi. This is a giant killer and if you imbibe it in immoderate quantities, you will sooner come to grief.

Religion

Roman Catholic 33%, Protestant 33%, Muslim 16%, indigenous beliefs 18%

Ethnic groups : Baganda 17% Karamojong 12% Basoga 8% Iteso 8% Langi 6% Rwanda 6% Bagisu 5% Acholi 4% Lugbara 4% Banyoro 3% Batobo 3% non-African (European Asian Arab) 1% other 23%

Languages: English (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 and may be taught in school), other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, Arabic