Luganda Phrase Book

Luganda Phrases you can start learning before coming on your trip to Uganda

Saying a few phrases in Luganda will endear you to the hearts of Ugandans and they will be impressed since most Westerners do not learn Luganda but stick with English.


Learn a little Luganda and enjoy your safari into Uganda even more.  It will be fun as Ugandans look at you and smile.  You might get the pronunciation wrong especially if the word has ki in it which is pronounced chi and often are words with r in it are pronounced as l...Rubaga area is also called Lubaga for example, but what the Ugandan is your heart.  Put them on 3 by 5 cards and start memorizing them.

One thing that is important in Uganda is to shake hands, not just a nod of the head. The handshake is not a firm kind but softer. Public affection such as kissing is frowned upon.  Hugging is ok if you know the person as a friend.


Those Important Ugandan Greetings in Luganda:

In the morning you just do not say Good morning but how was your night?  When someone comes backSafaris in Uganda from a days work one will ask, how was your day? and the same in the evening.

  • Good Morning:  Wasuze otya nno?

  • Good afternoon or Good Evening: Osiibye otya nno? 

Some other greetings depending on day or night as you  leave or come are:

  • Hi:  Ki kati the ki is pronounced Chi

  • How are you?:  Oli Otya 

  • The answer is -I am ok: Gyendi the G here is pronounced like a j

  • Have nice day:  Siiba bulungi  the g like a j

  • Good night when going to bed or leaving for the night:  Sula bulungi

  • Saying goodbye to one person: Weeraba

  • Saying goodbye to more than one person:  Mweraba

  • Welcome to one or several people:  Tukusanyukidde

  • See you later:  Tunaalabagana


Those nice and other things to say:

  • Please:  Mwattu

  • Thank you:  Weebale

  • Thank you very much:  Weebale Nnyo

  • Please come in:  Mwattu yingira

  • Excuse me in order to get someone's attention:  Owange

  • Please sit down:  Mwattu tuula wansi

  • Pardon me, what did you say?:  Wangi or Ogamby Ki?

  • apologize by saying I am sorry:  Nsonyiwa

  • OK:  Kale

  • No thanks:  Nedda

  • I do not know:  Simanye

  • What time is it?:  Sawa mmeka?

  • How much is it?:  Mmekka Ssente?

  • I do not have any money: Sirina Sente

  • I love you: Nkwagala

  • I am:  Nze (your name)

Addressing People:

  • Madam: Nyabo

  • Sir:  Ssebo


Sharing your feelings:

I am:

  • angry:  ndi munyiivu

  • cold:  mpulira empewo

  • am full:  ndi mukkufu

  • happy:  ndi musanyufu

  • hot:  mpulira ebbugumu

  • hungry:  Enjala ennuma

  • sad:  ndi munakuwavu

  • scared: ntidde

  • sick:  ndi wulwadde

  • thirsty:  ennyonta ennuma

  • tired:  nkooye

  • worried: ndi mweraliikirivu


Communication:

  • Do you speak English?:  Omanyi olungereza

  • Yes, I do:  Weewawo

  • No, I do not:  Nedda

  • Does anyone here speak English?:  Wano waliwo amanyi olungereza?

  • Do you understand?  Otegeera?

  • I understand:  Ntegeera

  • I don't understand:  Sitegeera

  • Please speak slowly: Ekigambo ekyo kimpandiikire

  • I like:  Njagala

  • I do not like: Saagala


This will get you going and hopefully when you get here, you will be able to expand you Luganda vocabulary.  Look forward to seeing you in Uganda.

 

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Helpful Information, Tips, Advice to make your stay in Uganda a delight.

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Why Visit Uganda?Why visit Uganda?  Uganda is a bit under the radar when it comes to African Safari Travel and yet Uganda has more to offer than other African countries in a safe and secure setting.  It is one of the most bio-diverse countries in Africa, the highest snow capped mountain range in Africa, Rainforest Jungles, Savannas, the largest lake in Africa and home to half the endangered mountain gorillas in the world.


Things to do & See in Uganda:   Here are the top ten things to do and see in Uganda.  The Mountain Gorillas, the Rwenzori Mountains, White water rafting on the awesome Nile river, Chimpanzee tracking in the Jungle and more.  There is lots to do and see in Uganda.


Uganda BackgroundUganda Background Information:  Make your trip to Uganda more enjoyable by knowing something about the country.  You will find some historic background, current situation in the country.  What life is like for the average Ugandan, all designed to give you insight into the Pearl of Africa.


Flying to UgandaFlying to UgandaUganda is serviced by many major international airlines from British Airways to KLM.  There are also African carriers from Air Kenya to South African Airlines.  Here you will find helpful terminal information that makes your arrival and departure easier.


Uganda Tourist VisaUganda Tourist Visas:  Getting your visa is actual quite simple.  Arrive here and purchase your tourist visa for the time of your visit right at the Immigration desk.  It costs you less than sending your passport to a Ugandan embassy and paying for the express mail coming and going.


PPacking for Ugandaacking for Uganda:  Packing for Africa takes a it more planning than normal.  Especially if you are coming from Europe and have a baggage limitation compared to flying in from North America where the baggage allowance is more generous.


Uganda Travel Advice and TipsUganda Travel Advice & Tips:  Practical advice for those planning to travel to Uganda. Here you will find safety tips, health tips, transportation tips, all designed to make your stay in Uganda trouble free.  It is our desire that you enjoy your journey to and in Uganda.


Ask Uganda Travel Questions:  Simply type in your question regarding travel in Uganda and we will attempt to answer it shortly thereafter.  Many of your question may be answered on one of the pages on this site, but just in case you are unable to find it, ask.


Uganda Money AdviceMoney Tips for Uganda:  The Uganda Money Tips page covers ATM machines here in Uganda, the use of credit cards  here in Uganda, what currency to bring, Forex bureaus, banks, even a link to page where you can check the latest exchange rate.


Uganda Safety SecurityUganda Safety and Security Information:: Latest security update from Uganda regarding travelers to Uganda.  This includes travel alerts and advisories, the current situation, updated daily for you.  This includes the background to the July 11, 2010 deadly bombings in Kampala, Uganda.


Staying Well in UgandaHealth Tips for Uganda:   What are choices regarding malaria prevention?  What not to eat?  How is the water?  What do to in a restaurant?  There are a lot of things you can do in order that you do not get ill while in Uganda.


Getting around UgandaGetting around Uganda:  Transportation in Uganda is readily available and usually quite affordable.  From Motorcycle taxis to self drive, you can travel across Uganda by bus, plane, or bus.  If you have not been here before, self drive is not suggested but hire a vehicle with driver for similar cost.


Weather in UgandaUganda Weather: Find out what the weather is like in Kampala.  Get the mean temperatures of various cities and towns in Uganda.  Find out when the rainy seasons take place.  You can even get current weather information from Kampala on this page.  Helpful information for visitors and tourists.


BargainingBargaining in Uganda:  The bargaining ritual, if you are not with a tour group you have to bargain for a lot of things from transportation to souvenirs.  Enjoy the ancient ritual and bring a sense of humor, it is actually a lot of fun.


Conversaton Ugandan StyleConversations Uganda Style:  Making yourself understood in Uganda and tips of social etiquette in Uganda.  English is spoken everywhere but there are times words mean different things to the one speaking.  If someone says that they are going to make a short call, it is not a phone call, but a trip to the bathroom.


Uganda SafarisUganda Safaris:  Uganda is one of the best places in Africa to go on Safaris.  A small country and yet bio-diverse in nature, almost twice the species of birds found in the USA yet Uganda is the size of Oregon. Game parks, lodging from budget to luxury, jungle, open savannas, mountains, volcanoes...simply awesome and off the beaten tourist track. One day, three day and 5 day or longer safaris with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris.


Gorilla Tracking InformationGorilla Tracking (Trekking) Information:   Complete Guide to Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Uganda.  Here you find all the information that you need to know for a gorilla safari in Uganda, from permits, to guidelines and the lodging that is available.


Uganda Wildlife InformationUganda Wildlife Information:  The wildlife that you find in Uganda from Mountain Gorillas to Chimpanzees, reptiles, hippos, crocodiles, birds.  There is simply lots to discover in Uganda and you will enjoy your time here in Uganda viewing tree climbing lions, the Giraffes,  leopards, warthogs and so much more.


Exploring the National Parks of UgandaNational Parks of Uganda Information & Guide:  There are some fabulous game parks in Uganda, not only the wildlife but the scenery is simply breathtaking, crater lakes, bamboo forests, the most powerful waterfall in the world, glacier covered mountains and intriguing rainforest jungles.


Uganda LodgingAccommodations in Uganda:  From Budget to Luxury accommodations can be found in every game park in Uganda. Tented camps that give you that classical Safari feel, great lodges with fabulous food all enhancing your Uganda safari in the National Parks in Uganda.


Kampala City InformationKampala City Information:  Originally built on 7 hills, now many more, Kampala is a truly African city where much awaits your visit.  Here are some of the things you can see and do in Kampala and simple practical tips for a Kampala visit.  From day trips from Kampala to entertainment.


Speciality Safari ToursSpecialty Safari Tours in Uganda-Africa:  Including Uganda African Photo Safari, African Honeymoon Safari in Uganda and Create your own Safari. Each of the specialty safari tours is created with your input in mind.  Private photo safaris where you are in control, Adventure safaris that allow you to experience Uganda in a very different way, romantic Honeymoon safaris that reflect the celebratory note of your visit to Uganda and Create your own African Safari.


Helpful Africa Safari Information for UgandaHelpful Africa Safari Information & Uganda Travel Information:  How to save money on a safari, budget travel, how to choose a safari, booking a safari, safari consultant, comments from clients, safety in Uganda, and responsible tourism practices.


Cars for Hire-Transportation with Driver in Uganda:  Cars for hire with English Speaking driver.  Airport pickup and transportation to any destination in Uganda and other destinations in East Africa. We provide you with an accident free driver who knows Uganda.  From passenger vehicles such as station wagons to 29 passenger buses we can meet your transportation needs in Uganda.


Uganda Travel GuideUganda Travel Guide and Visitor Information:  Here you will find the complete Uganda Travel Guide and Visitors Information such as Packing for your Ugandan Visit, Flying to Uganda, Visa Information, Uganda Background Information, Money Tips, Safety Tips, Health Advice, Luganda Phrases, Restaurants, Kampala City Information and more.


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Last updated: 28 July 2010

Luganda Phrases helpful during your trip to Uganda

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