Greetings
Oli otya?
oh-lee OH-cha
How are you? The standard Luganda greeting — answer 'Gyendi', I'm fine.
Social
Webale / Webale nnyo
weh-BAH-leh / weh-BAH-leh nyoh
Thank you / thank you very much. Used constantly.
Ssebo / Nnyabo
SEH-bo / NYAH-bo
Sir / madam. Ugandans are formal with strangers and this opens doors.
Kale
KAH-leh
OK / fine / agreed. The universal acknowledgement.
Nedda / Yee
NEH-da / yeh
No / yes.
Daily life
Meka?
MEH-ka
How much? Essential for boda fares and Nakasero market.
Boda boda
BOH-da BOH-da
Motorcycle taxi. The way Kampala actually moves, and the thing to think hardest about.
Taxi
TAK-see
In Uganda a 'taxi' is a 14-seater shared minibus, not a car. What you mean by taxi is a 'special hire'.
Food
Rolex
ROH-lex
Chapati rolled around fried egg and vegetables — the national street food, from 'rolled eggs'. Not a watch.
Matooke
ma-TOH-keh
Steamed green banana, the staple starch. Lunch in Kampala is usually built around it.
Amazzi
a-MAH-zee
Water.
Emergency
999 or 112
nine-nine-nine
Emergency — police, fire and ambulance through the National Emergency Call Centre.
Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.