I first visited Uganda in 2012. I spent three months in Kanungu district and fell in love with the country. I then visited Uganda every year for the next seven years before moving to the country permanently in 2021.
Entering my third year as a full-time resident of the Pearl of Africa, I feel like I’m in a reasonable position to answer the question – are Ugandans friendly?
Disclaimer: I married a wonderful Ugandan woman in 2020, so I’m biased! But here’s my opinion about the friendliness of the Ugandans that I encounter on a daily basis to help you know what to expect when you visit the country for the first time.
So, are Ugandans friendly?
Yes. 100%. I spent my twenties travelling around the world, visiting 50 countries along the way. The welcome I received in Jordan was perhaps the most incredible hospitality I have ever experienced, but my welcome in Uganda – when I first visited in 2012 – was a close second.
What struck me about my first impression of Ugandans was that they are notably cheery. They have positive dispositions. Whether you’re chatting with someone in a shop or hailing a boda-boda on the street, you will find that the majority of people you meet are extremely friendly and happy to chat with you.
Scratch the surface a little more, and you will find that Ugandans are also extremely personable. When you’re invited into a friendship group or over for a family meal, you will enjoy engaging in conversation about your roots, your interests, and, of course, football.
Of course, it’s difficult to generalise about an entire population – not everyone you meet in Uganda is going to welcome you with open arms. It’s the same in any place that you visit.
But you can reasonably expect people who work in the tourism sector (guides, hoteliers, waiters, etc.) to be extremely friendly and happy to help you. You will also find Ugandans that you meet as you travel through the country to be courteous, polite, and happy to talk, which is likely to make your time here all the more special.
Do Ugandans speak English?
Celebrating my birthday last year with Ugandan friends and family
You might be surprised to learn that English is the national language of Uganda In other words, it is widely spoken across the country, from Kampala to Kanungu.
In Entebbe and Kampala, you will be able to speak English in practically every place you visit without issue, making it easy to find what you’re looking for while meeting people at the same time.
When you travel “upcountry” (i.e. to a national park like Queen Elizabeth), you might find that people speak their local languages first and foremost, with English as a second language.
Uganda is an exceptionally diverse country, with 40+ languages spoken! The languages are spilt into four main groups – Bantu, Nilotic, Central Sudanic, and Kuliak. So, be mindful that should you visit Karamoja in the north of Uganda, the local language will be totally different to that spoken at Lake Bunyonyi in the south!
Case in point – my very talented wife speaks five languages. I, sadly, am struggling to learn Runyankole-Rukiga (I’m getting there, but I’m not a great student!).
Is Uganda safe?
Generally, Uganda is a safe country to visit, but you should always check for up-to-date government advice before travelling. In recent months, there have been a few attacks from rebel groups in tourist areas, so be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe.
I would say that the safety of the country goes hand in hand with the friendly nature of the people. In general, Ugandans make you feel safe when you visit their country. Their welcoming and hospitable nature helps you feel comfortable, and you will find that when you ask for help, people will be only too willing to provide it.
The verdict: Are Ugandans friendly?
The bottom line is that Ugandans are very friendly people. They welcome visitors and are happy to help in most situations.
If you’re planning to travel independently in Uganda, you shouldn’t have any trouble meeting local people across the country.
Just make sure you’re courteous and mindful that you’re visiting people in their own country. You might like to read up on African time to prepare yourself – it will help to manage your expectations and keep you in good spirits as you travel!