The Nkole or Banyankore are Bantu ethic group native to Uganda, who primarily inhabit Ankore. They are closely related to other Bantu people like Banyoro, Bakiga, and Batooro but have a unique culture that makes them stand out.

People from Ankole region who are referred to as “Banyankore” have a unique language known as Orunyankore, which other people refer to as a Great Lakes Bantu language.

This group of Bantu are great cattle keepers that breed long white-horned cows which give beef, milk, among other products and are most appreciated by the farmers.

The breeders are so proud of their cattle, and acquired large herds of cattle to exercise great influence on their daily life, especially in rituals, music and dances, that many of their songs are about cows which explains who treasured the animals are to them.

As the world is revolving and undergoing globalization, culture has become one of the greatest expressions of humanity’s creativity that brings out meaning, knowledge, talents, civilization and values of individual groups. It plays a fundamental role in achieving uniqueness and creative value worldwide.

Looking at the cultures in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, Ankole culture is unquestionably one that cannot be ignored outstanding to its cultural richness.

What you need to know about Ankole Dance

Ekitaguriro is one of the incredible dance that defines the Banyakole people. When you pay a visit to Ankole, one unique things you will meet that is exciting and breathtaking at the same time, is the cultural dance that will be demonstrated to you by the Ankole people.

The ekitaguriro dance is not meant for one specific gender or age, but both men and women will be involved in performing and representing their Ankole dance.

In many occasions, the dance is performed to prove the love of Ankole people and their cattle. The cattle in this area have long horns and thus making the dance floating.

The sound of the songs alone is like that of the cows and interestingly, you will also get a sound of milk pouring/flowing from the cow’s udder. The stamping walk of the men during the dance is like that of cows, and the women’s hands demonstrate the long beautiful horns of the cows which explains why they dance with their hands up in the air.

The Ankole region generally uses music and dance to celebrate the life-cycle in rite and rituals; to worship, praise and appeal, to celebrate work and as a form of community recreation.

Ankole cultural dance is one of the reasons Uganda is called the pearl of Africa. So, exploring the Ankole’s abundant cultural experiences is indeed amazing and a reality about true Ugandan cultures.