The Nkole people, also known as the Banyankole, are a Bantu ethnic group native to the Ankole region [1] of Uganda. They are primarily found in the southwestern part of the country, in what was historically known as the Ankole Kingdom. The Banyankole are known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional cattle-keeping practices. They are closely related to other Bantu peoples of the region, namely the Nyoro, Kiga, Toro and Hema people.
Banyankole | |
---|---|
Total population | |
3,216,332 [2] [3] | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Uganda | |
Languages | |
Runyankole and English | |
Religion | |
Predominantly Christianity and Ankole Religion; minority Islam | |
Related ethnic groups | |
other Rutara people (Bakiga, Batooro, Banyoro, Bahema, Bahaya and Baruuli) |
Person | OmunyaNkore |
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People | AbanyaNkore |
Language | OrunyaNkore |
Country | Nkore |
The Banyankole are part of the larger Bantu-speaking peoples who migrated from Central and West Africa to the Great Lakes region of East Africa over a millennium ago.
Archaeological evidence [4] and oral traditions suggest that the Banyankole settled in the Ankole region between the 10th and 15th centuries. Their early history is characterized by the establishment of the Ankole Kingdom, a centralized monarchy that played a significant role in the region's politics and culture.
The Banyankole speak Runyankole, a Bantu language closely related to other languages in the region such as Rukiga, Runyoro, and Rutooro. Runyankole serves as a vital part of the these people's identity used in everyday communication and cultural ceremonies and it is widely spoken in southwestern part of the country.
Traditional Banyankole society is divided into two main social classes: the Bahima and the Bairu. The Bahima are primarily cattle herders, known for their long-horned Ankole cattle, while the Bairu are primarily agriculturalists. This division has historically influenced social roles and interactions within Banyankole communities.
The Banyankole tribe in Uganda is predominantly Christian, with a significant majority of its members practicing Christianity. The Banyankole people are primarily adherents of the Roman Catholic and Anglican (Church of Uganda) denominations. According to the 2002 Census of Uganda 52.6% of Banyankole are Anglican and 34.8% are Roman Catholic. A minority at 5.2% are Muslim and 4.6% Pentecostal. [5]
There are several names they are referred to as. These include the following ones: Ankole, Ankori, Banyankole, Banyankore, Nkoles, Nkore, Nyankole, Nyankore, Ouanyankori, Runyankole, Runyankore, Uluyankole, Uluyankore. [6]
The Hutu, also known as the Abahutu, are a Bantu ethnic group which is native to the African Great Lakes region. They mainly live in Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda where they form one of the principal ethnic groups alongside the Tutsi and the Great Lakes Twa.
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