What language is spoken in Uganda schools?

English is the primary language spoken and taught in most Ugandan schools. Since 2005, Swahili is a mandatory language taught in Ugandan Secondary Schools.

Should I learn some Luganda before visiting?

While not mandatory, learning basic Luganda phrases is highly appreciated by the locals and can enhance your cultural experience and exhibit your respect for Ugandan culture especially in Central Uganda and Kampala, the capital city of Uganda

What percentage of Uganda speaks English?

Approximately 45% of the total Ugandan population speaks English with higher comprehension and proficiency amongst urban dwelling and educated Ugandans.

What are the top 3 languages spoken in Uganda?

Luganda, English and Swahili are the top 3 languages spoken in Uganda.

Do they speak Spanish in Uganda?

No. Spanish is not spoken in Luganda. English, Luganda and Swahili are the main languages spoken in Uganda

Does Uganda speak french?

French is not spoken in Luganda. English, Luganda and Swahili are the main languages spoken in Uganda

Is Swahili widely spoken in Uganda?

Not as widely as in Kenya or Tanzania. While it's an official language, most Ugandans primarily use English or their native language.

What does "Muzungu" mean?

Muzungu is a Swahili term commonly used across East Africa to refer to foreigners or white people. It's not derogatory and you ought to embrace it with a smile as a friendly acknowledgment of your presence.

What language do they speak in Kampala, Uganda?

Kampala, located in the Central Region, is primarily a Luganda-speaking city. However, English is widely used in business and tourism, and you'll hear many other languages due to the city's diverse population.

Why don't most Ugandans speak Swahili?

Swahili a language mostly used by and reserved for military personnel.

How many languages does Uganda have?

Uganda has over 40 indigenous languages owing to its diverse culture.

What kind of English do Ugandans speak?

United Kingdom OR British English is the kind of English spoken in Uganda because it was colonized by Britain.

Is Kiswahili a compulsory subject in Ugandan schools?

Yes. Kiswahili is a compulsory subject in Ugandan schools starting in 2017 by the National Curriculum Development Center.

What are the top 3 languages spoken in Uganda?

English, Luganda and Swahili are the top 3 languages spoken in Uganda

Is Luganda hard to learn?

No. Luganda is not hard to learn and could be mastered in a period of 3 to 6 months with dedicated study and practice effort.

Is English a mother tongue in Uganda?

No, English is not a mother tongue in Uganda. Some example of mother tongues in Uganda include Luganda(most popular and widely spoken), Runyankole-Rukiga, Ateso, Lusoga, Langi, Acholi.

What is the second most commonly spoken language in Uganda?

Luganda is the second most commonly spoken language in Uganda after English.

How many languages are spoken in Uganda?

Uganda has over 40 living languages with the exact number varying depending on how each of the languages are classified. Since most languages are similar to one another with words and phrases cutting across, the number may be considered less than 40 if related languages are clasiffied together.

Is Luganda a morphologically rich language?

Luganda aka Ganda is a morphologically rich and low resource language from Uganda.

Is Luganda a Bantu Language?

Yes. Luganda is a Bantu language spoken by people from Uganda

Is Luganda a tonal language?

Yes, Luganda is a tonal langugae

Is Luganda more difficult than English?

No, Luganda is not more difficult than English.

What language does Buganda speak?

People from Buganda, the Baganda speak Luganda as their main language.

How many people speak Luganda?

Approximately 45% people in Uganda speak Luganda

Do Buganda people speak Swahili?

Yes. Buganda people are multi-lingual speaking other languages such as Swahili in addition to Luganda.

How do you say a greeting in Luganda?

Good morning translates to Oli Otya while Good afternoon and Good evening translate to Osiibye Otya

Where in Africa is Uganda located?

Uganda is located in the Eastern part of Africa

Where is Uganda located in Africa?

Uganda is located in East Africa bordering Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Uganda is in what part of Africa?

Uganda is in the Eastern part of Africa

Yes. Uganda is located in East Africa.

What is the location of Uganda?

Uganda is located in the Eastern part of Africa next to Kenya.

James Kitaka October 30, 2025

Do Ugandans speak French?

No, French is not an official language in Uganda, and it’s not widely spoken by the general population.

What languages do Ugandans speak?

Uganda has 3 official languages: English, Luganda and Swahili. Swahili was adopted as an official language in Uganda in 2005 and is widely taught in secondary schools around the country as a compulsory subject.

Throughout the country, other local languages are spoken in addition to the 3 official languages. Uganda is home to over 40 languages categorised into 4 language families:

Bantu languages (Lusoga, Runyankore, Rutooro)
Nilotic languages (Acholi, Lango, Karamojong)
Central Sudanic languages (Lugbara, Ma’di)
Kuliak languages (Ik, Soo)

For comprehensive information about Uganda’s linguistic diversity, check out our main guide: A Complete Overview of the Languages of Uganda and practical tips for travellers

Why the confusion about French in Uganda

A number of reasons could explain why people wonder about French being spoken in Uganda including the following:

French-speaking neighbouring countries: Uganda is sorrounded by several French-speaking countries as part of the East African Region such as Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda’s proximity to French-speaking countries could explain why people assume French could be recognized as an official language in Uganda.
Colonial History: While Uganda was a British colony (explaining why English is the official language), its neighboring countries were colonized by Belgium or France, establishing French as their administrative language.

Which neighboring countries to Uganda use French?

Burundi, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo are neighboring countries to Uganda which recognize French as an official language.

The Current Presence and Usage of French in Uganda

While not widely spoken, French does have a presence in Uganda.

Educational Institutions:

French is taught in select Secondary schools across the country as an optional subject. Throughout the country, several language centers offer French courses including:

Kampala language Center
Umoja language center
Goethe-Zentrum Kampala: Offers French courses along side its main language German.
The School of Languages, Gender and Developmental studies at Makerere University.
Alliance Française de Kampala: As the official French cultural center, this institution provides authentic French language instruction and cultural programming

Goverment and Business

There’s growing recognition that French proficiency could benefit Uganda’s diplomats, business professionals, and military personnel, especially for negotiations, business contracts, and intelligence operations within the region.

The French Embassy’s Role

In July 2020, the French Ambassador to Uganda announced plans to expand French learning and teaching in Uganda by facilitating training for more French teachers, offering scholarships to students, and introducing inter-university exchange programs.

Official Languages of East African Countries

Across the East African Region each country recognizes different official languages:

Country	Official Languages
Burundi	Kirundi, French, English
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)	French
Kenya	English, Swahili
Rwanda	Kinyarwanda, English, French, Swahili
Tanzania	Swahili, English
Uganda	English, Luganda, Swahili

Practical Language tips for travellers to Uganda.

If you’re planning to visit Uganda and wondering about French, here’s what you need to know about communication in Uganda:

English Will Serve You Well: Most Ugandans in urban areas, tourist destinations, and service industries speak English. You won’t need French at all for your trip.
Learn Basic Luganda Phrases: Basic luganda phrases will be far more useful and appreciated than learning French. Common phrases include:
“Wasuze otya?” (Good morning - literally “How was your night?”)
“Webale” (Thank you)
“Webale nyo” (Thank you very much)
French May Help at Borders: If you’re crossing into the DRC, Rwanda, or Burundi, French language skills become valuable, but they’re not necessary within Uganda itself.
Regional Language Variations: In different regions of Uganda, you’ll encounter various local languages such as Runyankole-Rukiga in the western region, Langi and Acholi in the North and West-Nile regions, and Lusoga in the Eastern Region.
Hire a Tour Guide fluent in both Luganda and English: If you’re planning safari activities or visiting rural areas, consider hiring a guide who can help bridge any language gaps.

A guide is provided to you as part of any itinerary you book with us. Checkout our expertly curated itineraries and start preparations for your trip to the Pearl of Africa

For more detailed information about communicating in Uganda and a list of essential luganda phrases to know Uganda, check out our guide: The Languages of Uganda and practical language tips for travellers

Should I learn French before visiting to Uganda?

No. Learning french is not necessary. English is sufficient for communication as most Ugandans have basic comprehension of the English language. If you’re planning to visit remote areas outside Kampala, we recommend you learn Luganda which is the most widely spoken local language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get by with French in Uganda?

No. French is not spoken by the general population. English is your best bet for communication throughout Uganda.

Are there any French speakers in Uganda?

You might find a small number of French speakers in international organizations, at the French embassy, or among expat communities, but this represents a tiny fraction of the population.

Should I learn French before visiting Uganda?

Absolutely not. Focus on English, which is widely spoken, and perhaps learn some basic Luganda phrases for cultural enrichment.

Do Ugandans speak French?

Most Ugandans do not speak French. It’s taught in some schools and language centers, but English, Luganda, and Swahili are far more prevalent.

Why don’t Ugandans speak French if their neighbors do?

Uganda was a British colony, not a French or Belgian colony, which is why English became the official language rather than French.

Can I use French when visiting Uganda?

English will be far more useful. However, if you’re planning to visit neighboring French-speaking countries, French language skills would be beneficial.

Is French growing in importance in Uganda?

Yes, there’s increasing interest in French education due to regional integration through the East African Community and economic opportunities with francophone neighbors.

What percentage of Ugandans speak French?

No official census data exists, but French speakers represent a very small percentage of Uganda’s population, primarily limited to students, academics, and some business professionals.

Where in East Africa is French actually spoken?

French is primarily spoken and recognised as an official language in the countries of Burundi, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Final Thoughts

Uganda does not speak French as a national language. The country’s official language are English, Luganda and Swahili with Luganda being the most widely spoken local language.

If you’re planning to visit Uganda, focus on your English communication skills, learn a few Luganda phrases to use when you travel to remote villages throughout the country.

Ready to learn more about Uganda’s fascinating linguistic diversity? Read our comprehensive guide: Everything you need to know about the languages of Uganda