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Proverbs are a living part of everyday speech in Uganda, used by elders to give advice, by preachers and politicians to make a point, and in conversation to add wit. Many of the best known are in Luganda, such as “Agali awamu ge galuma ennyama”, meaning that teeth working together bite the meat, a call for unity. Learning one or two and using them with your guide or hosts is a lovely way to connect. Here are some widely used sayings and what they mean.
Unity and community
“Agali awamu ge galuma ennyama”: the teeth that are together are the ones that bite the meat. It means that people achieve more when they cooperate, and is often quoted at weddings, meetings and in politics. “Kamu kamu gwe muganda”: one by one makes a bundle, meaning that small contributions add up, much like the Swahili “Haba na haba hujaza kibaba”, little by little fills the measure. Both reflect the communal values described in our guide to obuntu bulamu.
Patience and care
“Akwata empola atuuka wala”: the one who goes slowly gets far. It is advice for long journeys, business and life, and apt advice for a gorilla trek up steep slopes. “Amazzi agayiise tegayoleka”: spilled water cannot be gathered up, a warning that some mistakes cannot be undone and that words, once spoken, cannot be taken back. Proverbs like these are taught to children and used to settle disputes gently, without direct criticism.
Proverbs across Uganda
Every community has its own store of sayings, in Runyankore-Rukiga, Lusoga, Acholi, Ateso and dozens of other languages, often using images of cattle, rain, bananas and the family. Okot p’Bitek’s poetry draws on Acholi proverbs and songs, and novelists such as Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi weave Luganda sayings into their writing. See our guide to Ugandan literature.
Using proverbs as a visitor
Ask your guide or porter for a favourite proverb in their language; it is a great conversation starter, and people are delighted when visitors try. Combine it with a few greetings, which matter a great deal in Uganda. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to greetings in Uganda and Ugandan naming traditions.
Frequently asked questions
“Agali awamu ge galuma ennyama”: teeth that work together bite the meat.
The one who goes slowly gets far.
Yes, widely, in conversation, speeches, sermons and advice.
All of them, from Luganda and Runyankore to Acholi and Ateso.
