Research Guide of Selected African Languages: East Africa

Guide of African Languages

Languages of Burundi

Kirundi

This is a national multidialectal language spoken by the Hutu, Tutsi, Twa and Hima people inhabiting Burundi. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages

Hutu couple, Burundi 2014

Swahili

This is a trade language spoken by the people inhabiting Burundi, particularly concentrated in the city of Bujumbura. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages

Languages of Djibouti

Afar

This is a national language spoken by the Afar people inhabiting Djibouti, particularly concentrated in regions surrounding the Gulf of Tadjoura. It is within the Lowland East Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. 

Afar people, Dijbouti

Saho

This is a language spoken by the Saho people inhabiting Djibouti. It is within the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages.

Somali

This is a language spoken by the Somali people inhabiting Djibouti, particularly concentrated in Djibouti City and other southeastern regions. It is within the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. 

Languages of Mozambique

Makhuwa

This is a major language spoken by the Makua people inhabiting Northern Mozambique, particularly concentrated in the Nampula, Niassa and Zambezia provinces. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

The Makua people of Mozambique

Elomwe 

This is a language spoken by the Lomwe people inhabiting Central Mozambique. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Chuwabu

This is a language spoken by the Chuabo people inhabiting the northeastern regions of Mozambique, particularly concentrated in the Zambezia province. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Xitsonga 

This is a major language spoken by the Tsonga people inhabiting Mozambique, particularly concentrated in the Gaza, Maputo and Inhambane provinces. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Tsonga people

Sena 

This is a language spoken by the Sena people inhabiting northwestern regions of Mozambique, particularly concentrated in the Tete, Manica, Sofala and Zambezia provinces. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Shona 

This is a language spoken by the Shona people inhabiting Mozambique. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Swahili 

This is a language spoken by minority groups inhabiting Mozambique. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Yao 

This is a language spoken by the Yao people inhabiting Mozambique, particularly concentrated in the Niassa province. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Makonde 

This is a language spoken by the Makonde people inhabiting Northern Mozambique, particularly concentrated in surrounding regions along the river Ruvuma. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Makonde girl with a facial body painting

Nyanja Language(s) 

This is a multidialectal group of languages spoken by the Maravi people inhabiting Mozambique, particularly concentrated in the Tete province. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Nguni Language(s) 

This is a group of languages spoken by minority groups inhabiting Mozambique. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Languages of Seychelles

Seselwa 

This is a French-based creole language spoken by the people inhabiting Seychelles.

Languages of Tanzania

Swahili

This is the national language spoken by inhabitants of Tanzania. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Bantu Language(s) 

This is a group of major languages that are spoken by the Bantu-speaking people inhabiting Tanzania. It constitutes a branch within the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Iraqw 

This is a language spoken by the Iraqw people inhabiting Northern Tanzania, particularly concentrated in the Arusha and Manyara regions. It is within the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages.

Iraqw Tribe Song

Sandawe 

This is a language spoken by the Sandawe people inhabiting North-Central Tanzania, particularly concentrated in the Dodoma and Singida regions. It is within the Khoisan family of languages.

Gorowa

This is a language spoken by the Gorowa people inhabiting Tanzania, particularly concentrated in the Manyara and Dodoma regions. It is within the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. 

Mbugu

This is a mixed language spoken by the Mbugu people inhabiting Tanzania, particularly concentrated in regions surrounding the Usambara mountains. It is a parallel lexicon to Bantu and Cushitic languages. 

Sukuma

This is a major language spoken by the Sukuma people inhabiting Northern Tanzania, particularly concentrated in the regions of Geita, Kagera, Mwanza, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Singida and Tabora, Kigoma and Mara. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Sukuma people

Burungi 

This is a language spoken by the Burunge people inhabiting Central Tanzania, particularly concentrated in Chemba District of Dodoma Region. It is within the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. 

Nyamwezi 

This is a major language spoken by the Nyamwezi people inhabiting Tanzania, particularly concentrated in the Kigoma, Rukwa and Tabora regions. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

 Unique hairstyles of Nyamwezi people. Circa (Wanyamwezi). Circa 1860

Hehe 

This is a language spoken by the Hehe people inhabiting South-Central Tanzania, particularly concentrated in the Iringa Region. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger- Congo family of languages.

Haya 

This is a language spoken by the Haya people inhabiting Northern Tanzania, particularly concentrated in the Kagera region. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Chaga 

This is a language spoken by the Chaga people inhabiting Northern Tanzania, particularly concentrated in regions surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Charms of the Chagga people of Tanzania

Makonde

This is a language spoken by the Makonde people inhabiting Southeast Tanzania, particularly concentrated in the province of Cabo Delgado. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages

Maasai 

This is a language spoken by the Maasai people inhabiting Northern Tanzania. It is within the Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages.

Samburu 

This is a language spoken by the Samburu people inhabiting Tanzania. It is within the Nilotic branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Kwavi 

This is a language spoken by the Parakuyo people inhabiting Tanzania. It is said to be within the Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages. 

Zanaki 

This is a language spoken by the Zanaki people inhabiting Tanzania, particularly concentrated in the city of Musoma. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Zaramo 

This is a language spoken by the Zaramo people inhabiting Coastal Tanzania, particularly concentrated in the Pwani Region. It is said to be within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Female Doll, Zaramo peoples, Tanzania, Africa

Languages of Zimbabwe

Shona 

This is a major language spoken by the Shona people inhabiting Eastern Zimbabwe, particularly concentrated in the northern regions of the Lundi River. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Shona Tribe: People and Cultures of the World

Ndebele 

This is a language spoken by the Ndebele people inhabiting Southwestern Zimbabwe, particularly concentrated in the Matabeleland South Province. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Kalanga 

This is a language spoken by Kalanga people inhabiting Zimbabwe, particularly concentrated in the Matebeleland  region. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Kalanga people

Xhosa 

This is a language spoken by people inhabiting Zimbabwe. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Nambya 

This is a language spoken by the Nambya people inhabiting Northwestern Zimbabwe, particularly concentrated in the town of Hwange. It is within the Southern Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

History of the Nambya People of Zimbabwe

Chichewa 

This is a major language spoken by the Chewa people inhabiting Zimbabwe, particularly concentrated in the Mashonaland Central province. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Sena 

This is a multidialectal language spoken by the Sena people inhabiting Zimbabwe. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Tonga 

This is a language spoken by the Tonga people inhabiting Northern Zimbabwe, particularly concentrated in the Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North, and Midlands provinces. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Khoisan 

This is a language spoken by the San people inahbiting Zimbabwe, particularly concentrated in the Tsholotsho district and the town of Plumtree. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Ndau 

This is a language spoken by the Ndau people inhabiting Southeastern Zimbabwe. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

The Ndau people of Zimbabwe

Tswana 

This is a language spoken by the Tswana people inhabiting Zimbabwe. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Venda 

This is a major language spoken by the Vhavenda people inhabiting the the South African-Zimbabwean border. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

East African Map

Languages of Eritrea

Tigrinya

This is a language spoken by the Tigray people inhabiting the highlands of Eritrea. It is within the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages.

Tigray children of Eritrea

Tigré 

This is a language spoken by the Tigre people inhabiting Eritrea, particularly the northern plateau regions. It is within the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages.

Saho 

This is a language spoken by the Saho people inhabiting the coastal regions of Eritrea, particularly concentrated in the Southern and Northern Red Sea regions. It is within the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages.

To Bedawie

This is a language spoken by the Beja people inhabiting the western regions of Eritrea. It is within the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages.

Afar

This is a national language spoken by the Afar people inhabiting coastal regions of Eritrea, particularly concentrated in Southern and Northern Red Sea regions. It is within the Lowland East Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages.

Kunama 

This is a language spoken by the Kunama people inhabiting regions between the Gash and Setit rivers. It is within the Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages.

Aboriginals of Barentu - Kunama of Eritrea

Nara 

This is a language spoken by the Nara people inhabiting Southwestern Eritrea, particularly concentrated in Gash Barka. It is within the Nilo-Saharan family of languages.

Ge'ez

This is an ancestral language utilized by people inhabiting Eritrea. It is within the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. 

Languages of Ethiopia

Ge'ez

This is an ancestral liturgical language of the Ethiopian Church. It is within the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. 

15th c. Gospel manuscript in Ge’ez from the church of Qalaqel Maryam Seyon (Tigray, Ethiopia),

Guraginya 

This is a multidialectal language spoken by the Gurage people inhabiting the Southwestern Ethiopia, particularly concentrated in the semi-mountainous regions. It is within the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. 

Tigrinya 

This is a language spoken by the Tigray people inhabiting the Tigre Region of Ethiopia. It is within the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages.

Amharic 

This is the national language of Ethiopia spoken by the Amhara people that inhabit the country. It is within the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages.

The Amhara people of Ethiopia

Wolaytta 

This is a language spoken by the Wolayta people inhabiting Southern Ethiopia, particularly concentrated in the Welayta Zone. It is within the Omotic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages 

Oroma 

This is a major language spoken by the Oromo people inhabiting various regions in Ethiopia, particularly concentrated in Wollega, Shoa, Illubabour, Jimma, Arsi, Bale, Hararghe, Wollo, Borana and the southwestern part of Gojjam. It is within the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages.

Oroma woman - Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Kunama 

This is a language spoken by the Kunama people that inhabit the bordering regions of Ethiopia. It is within the Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages 

Harari 

This is a language spoken by the Harari people inhabiting Southeastern Ethiopia, particularly concentrated in the city of Harar. It is within the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. 

Harari Woman Inside Her House, Harar, Ethiopia

Languages of Kenya

Nyika 

This is a language spoken by the Nyika people inhabiting the coastal regions of Kenya. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Meru

This is a language spoken by the Meru people inhabiting Eastern Kenya, particularly concentrated in the Meru region of Mount Kenya. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Meru men

Gusii

This is a language spoken by the Gusii people inhabiting Southwest Kenya, particularly concentrated in the Kisii, Nyamira and Narok counties. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Kikuyu 

This is a major language spoken by the Kikuyu people inhabiting highland area of south-central Kenya, particularly concentrated in regions near Mount Kenya. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Kikuyu woman of Kenya

Luo 

This is a language spoken by the Luo people inhabiting Western Kenya, particularly concentrated in regions surrounding Lake Victoria. It is within the Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages.

Kamba 

This is a language spoken by the Kamba people inhabiting Southern Kenya, particularly concentrated in the Machakos, Kitui, Makueni and Kwale counties. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Luhyu 

This is a major language spoken by the Luhyu people inhabiting Western Kenya. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Kiswahili 

This is the national language spoken by the Swahili people inhabiting Kenya. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Swahili people

Turkana 

This is a language spoken by the Turkana people inhabiting northwestern regions of Kenya, particularly concentrated in the Turkana County. It is within the Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages. 

Kalenjin 

This is a major language spoken by the Kalenjin people inhabiting the the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It is within the Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages. 

Maasai 

This is a language spoken by the Maasai people inhabiting Southern Kenya. It is within the Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages. 

Samburu 

This is a language spoken by the Samburu people inhabiting regions near Mount Kenya. It is within the Nilotic branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Oromo 

This is a language spoken by the Oromo people inhabiting Kenya. It is within the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. 

Oromo people

Somali 

This is a language spoken by the Somali people inhabiting Northern Kenya, particularly concentrated in the Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo and Marsabit counties. It is within the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages.

Languages of Zambia

Bemba 

This is a major language spoken by the Bemba people inhabiting Northeast Zambia, particularly concentrated in the Eastern, Luapula, Muchinga, Northern and Copperbelt provinces. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Bemba family

Ngoni 

This is a language spoken by the Ngoni people inhabiting Zambia. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Tonga 

This is a major language spoken by the Tonga people inhabiting Zambia, particularly concentrated in the Southern and Western provinces. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Zambian Heritage - The Tonga Tribe - Their traditions and customs

Chichewa 

This is a major language spoken by the Chewa people inhabiting Zambia, particularly concentrated in Central and Eastern provinces. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Lozi 

This is a language spoken by the Lozi people inhabiting Southwestern Zambia, particularly concentrated in the city of Livingstone. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Lenje 

This is a language spoken by the Lenje people inhabiting Central Zambia, particularly concentrated in regions surrounding the Lukanga Swamp. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Lunda 

This is a language spoken by the Lunda people inhabiting Zambia, particularly concentrated in the North-Western Province. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Lunda people

Nyanja Language(s) 

This is a multidialectal group of languages spoken by the Maravi people inhabiting Eastern Zambia. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Chokwe 

This is a language spoken by the Chokwe people inhabiting Northwestern Zambia. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Luvale 

This is a language spoken by the Luvale people inhabiting Northern Zambia, particularly concentrated in the North-Western and Western provinces. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Luvale boys performing during their graduation from Mukanda.

Aushi 

This is a language spoken by the Aushi people inhabiting Zambia, particularly concentrated in the Lwapula Province. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Luchazi 

This is a language spoken by the Luchazi people inhabiting Zambia. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Nsenga 

This is a language spoken by the Nsenga people inhabiting Eastern Zambia, particularly concentrated in the Nyimba and Petauke districts. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Twinba ceremony of Nsenga people. 1999

Mbunda 

This is a language spoken by the Mbunda people inhabiting Western Zambia. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Kunda 

This is a language spoken by the Kunda people inhabiting Eastern Zambia, particularly concentrated in the Mambwe District. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Ndembu 

This is a language spoken by the Ndembu people inhabiting Northern Zambia, particularly concentrated in the Mwinilunga District. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Lamba 

This is a language spoken by the Lamba people inhabiting Zambia, particularly concentrated in the Central, Copperbelt, and North-Western provinces. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Kaonde 

This is a language spoken by the Kaonde people inhabiting Northwestern Zambia, particularly concentrated in Solwezi,Mufumbwe, Kasempa, Kalumbila and Mushindamo districts. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Soli 

This is a language spoken by the Soli people inhabiting the Lusaka and Central Provinces. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

The chieftainess with her daughters in the grand stand, Chakwela Makumbi ceremony of the Soli people in Lusaka province

Languages of Comoros

Comorian

This is a national language spoken by the Comorian people inhabiting Comoros Island. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Comorian woman

Swahili

This is a minority language spoken by people inhabiting Comoros. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Languages of Madagascar

Malagasy Language(s)

This is a major group of languages spoken by people inhabiting Madagascar and adjacent islands. It is within the Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) family of languages. 

Native Malagasy Sakalava girls

Languages of Malawi

Chichewa

This is a national language spoken by the Chewa people inhabiting central and southwest Malawi. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Chewa people of Malawi carrying Elephant tusks

Tumbuka 

This is a language spoken by the Tumbuka people inhabiting Malawi, particularly concentrated along the northwestern shore of Lake Nyasa. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Nguni Language(s) 

This is a group of languages spoken by minority groups in Malawi. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Sena 

This is a language spoken by the Sena people inhabiting Malawi. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Yao 

This is a major multidialectal language spoken by the Yao people inhabiting the surrounding regions of Lake Malawi, particularly concentrated in the southeast tip of the lake. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Yao initiates in Malawi

Tonga 

This is a language spoken by the Tonga people inhabiting Malawi. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Nyakyusa 

This is a language spoken by the Nyakyusa people inhabiting Northern Malawi, particularly concentrated in the Chitipa and Karonga districts. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Lambya 

This is a language spoken by the Lambya people inhabiting Northern Malawi, particularly concentrated in the Chitipa and Karonga districts. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Nyiha 

This is a language spoken by the Nyiha people inhabiting Malawi. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Languages of Mauritius

Mauritian Creole 

This is a French-based creole language spoken by the inhabitants of Mauritius. 

Mauritian woman performing traditional Sega dance

Indo-Aryan Language(s)   

These are languages spoken by minority groups inhabiting Mauritius. It constitutes a branch within the Indo-European family of languages.

Dravidian Language(s) 

These are languages spoken by minority groups inhabiting Mauritius. It constitutes a family of spoken languages.

Languages of Rwanda

Kinyarwanda 

This is the national language spoken by people inhabiting Rwanda. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Rwandan Itore dancers

Swahili 

This is a language spoken by people inhabiting Rwanda. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Languages of Uganda

Swahili 

This is a national language spoken by the inhabitants of Uganda. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Alur 

This is a major language spoken by the people inhabiting Northwestern Uganda. It is within the Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages. 

Alur people urged to unite for development

Ganda 

This is a major language spoken by the Ganda people inhabiting South-Central Uganda, particularly concentrated in the regions surrounding Lake Victoria. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Soga 

This is a major language spoken by the Soga people inhabiting Southern Uganda, particularly concentrated in the Busoga region. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Lugwere 

This is a language spoken by the Bagwere people inhabiting Eastern Uganda, particularly concentrated in the Pallisa District. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Gisu (Lugisu) 

This is a language spoken by the Bagisu people inhabiting Eastern Uganda, particularly concentrated in the Mbale District. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

The Bagisu/Bamasaba of Uganda

Nyole 

This is a language spoken by the Nyole people inhabiting eastern regions of Uganda, particularly concentrated in the Tororo District. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Samia 

This is a multidialectal language spoken by the Samia people inhabiting Eastern Uganda, particularly concentrated in the Busia districts. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Tooro 

This is a language spoken by the Toro people inhabiting Western Uganda, particularly concentrated in the Kabarole, Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa Districts. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

Nyoro 

This is a language spoken by the Bunyoro people inhabiting Western Uganda, particularly concentrated in the Buliis, Hoima, Kibaale, Kiryandongo and Masindi Districts. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Rukirabasaija, Omukama Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I meeting his workers and subjects in the Kraal a day after 2020 Empango Celebrations at Karuziika palace, Hoima

Kiga 

This is a major language spoken by the Kiga people inhabiting the western regions of Uganda, particularly concentrated in Kabale, Kanungu, Kibaale, Kisoro, Ntungamo and Rukungiri districts. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages. 

 Bakiga people on Lake Bunyonyi

Nkole 

This is a language spoken by the Nkore people inhabiting southwestern regions of Uganda, particularly concentrated in the Ankole Province. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Amba 

This is a language spoken by the Amba people inhabiting Uganda. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Konjo 

This is a language spoken by the Konjo people inhabiting southwestern regions of Uganda, particularly concentrated in the Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kasese and Ntoroko districts. It is within the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family of languages.

Acholi 

This is a major language spoken by the Acholi people inhabiting Northern Uganda, particularly concentrated in Agago, Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, Nwoya, Lamwo, and Pader districts. It is within the Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages.

Acholi warrior,Gulu,Uganda

Lango 

This is a language spoken by the Lango people inhabiting Northern Uganda, particularly concentrated in lowlands northeast of Lakes Kwania and Kyoga. It is within the Eastern Sudanic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages. 

Dhopadhola 

This is a language spoken by the Adhola people inhabiting Eastern Uganda, particularly concentrated in the Tororo District. It is within the Western Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages.

Kumam 

This is a language spoken by the Kunam people inhabiting Central Uganda. It is within the Western Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages.

Ateso 

This is a language spoken by the Teso people inhabiting Eastern Uganda, particularly concentrated in Amuria, Bukedea, Butebo, Kaberamaido, Katakwi, Kumi, Ngora, Pallisa, Serere, Soroti and Tororo districts, as well as the Lake Bisina area. It is within the Eastern Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages. 

Iteso people and their culture in Uganda and Kenya

Karimojong 

This is a language spoken by the Karamojong people inhabiting Uganda.  It is within the Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages. 

Kakwa 

This is a language spoken by the Kakwa people inhabiting Northwestern Uganda. It is within the Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages. 

Sebei 

This is a language spoken by the Sebei people inhabiting Eastern Uganda, particularly concentrated in regions surrounding Mount Elgon. It is within the Nilo-Saharan family of languages.

Sebei Cultural Encounters in Eastern Uganda

Lendu 

This is a language spoken by the Lendu people inhabiting Uganda. It is within the Central Sudanic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages.

Lugbara 

This is a language spoken by the Lugbara people inhabiting Uganda, particularly concentrated in the West Nile region. It is within the Central Sudanic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages.

Madi 

This is a language spoken by the Madi people inhabiting Uganda, particularly concentrated in the Adjumani and Moyo districts. It is within the Central Sudanic branch of the Nilo-Saharan family of languages.