Kanzu Uganda: the traditional men’s garment of the Buganda

Updated 18 October 2026

The kanzu is a long, ankle-length robe, usually white or cream, worn by men in Uganda as formal traditional dress. It reached Buganda in the 19th century through Arab and Swahili traders, was adopted at the Kabaka’s court, and became the standard outfit for Baganda men at ceremonies. Today it is worn by Christian and Muslim men alike at weddings, introduction ceremonies, church, funerals and cultural events, often with a suit jacket over the top.

History

Before cotton cloth arrived, men in Buganda wore bark cloth knotted over one shoulder. Traders from the Swahili coast, who reached the court of Kabaka Suuna II and Mutesa I in the mid-19th century, brought the long cotton robe common along the East African coast. The court adopted it as a mark of status, and from there it spread through Buganda and to other parts of Uganda. The same garment is called a kanzu in Kenya and Tanzania. See our guide to the Buganda kingdom.

How it is worn

A kanzu is plain, with long sleeves and often a band of embroidery or a small tassel at the neck. For formal occasions it is worn with a dark suit jacket, and sometimes a cap. At the kwanjula, the Buganda introduction ceremony, the groom’s party all wear kanzu, often in matching jackets, while the women wear the gomesi. Muslim men also wear the kanzu for Friday prayers and Eid. See our guide to the gomesi.

Buying and wearing one

Kanzu are sold ready-made in Kampala’s markets and shops, and tailors can make one to size quickly and cheaply. Quality varies with the fabric and embroidery. Visitors invited to a wedding or kwanjula can wear a kanzu with a jacket, and hosts are usually pleased to see it. See our guides to what to wear in Uganda and shopping in Uganda. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November.

Frequently asked questions