Famous Ugandan Proverbs and wise sayings and their Significance

Uganda is an interesting country and its rich cultural values and practices are mesmerizing. The customs of the Baganda and other Ugandan tribes are well preserved, even in the current day and time. They still value the use proverbs, wise sayings, quotes, riddles and some interesting (and even funny) folk tales. I have listed top twenty proverbs and sayings from Uganda, randomly collected from numerous sources. Enjoy and share in the wisdom from Uganda!

*** (the content in brackets is not part of the proverbs or sayings but some brief explanations for guidance)

Top 20 Proverbs From Uganda

1.      Sheep does not grieve over the death of a goat’s child (doesn’t )

2.      A barren woman attracts many visitors

3.     An ugly girl doesn’t age at her parent’s home (someone of course will see some beauty in the ugliness)

4.   The elephant doesn’t find the tusk too heavy to carry (everyone must withstand his/her own burden)

5.     Boisterous lion kills no game (watch out the wordy chaps)

6.     A dog holding onto a bone in his mouth can never bite you (or can it?)

7.     Those who tell no lies never grow

8.     Empty hands are only pleasant to their owners (but no one else can lick them )

9.   Being cautious is not a sign of cowardice; the ants are always as they match (go ahead, be prepared)

10.  If you are beaten by the snake, you can even fear the lizard (or anything that resembles a snake)

11.  Death leaves a permanent scar, it never heals (if you have ever attended an African funeral ceremony, you sure understand what this means)

12.  The eagle can fly to the sky, but will still come down to the treetops to rest (conquers the sky and explore other planets, but you will find your way home, to your roots)

13.  He who loves you, will still love you with your dirt (love is selfless and unconditional)

14.  He who throws the only spear he has at you doesn’t fear you (watch out for the fist)

15.  If you choose to eat a dog, slaughter a fat one (where is the logic in eating a skinny dog anyway, come on, it is an abomination in the first place…fatty fatty)

16.  Better he who is married to an old lady than one with no wife (getting wife is not an option, it is an obligation)

17.  An old man sits and enjoys the trees he planted years back (invest in your youth, reap in old age)

18.  As the brave cry, the cowards laugh (do cowards have any idea what war means)

19.  Never dare steal a strong man’s wife in his presence, do it when he is away (or be ready for a beating)

20.  A hunter pursuing an elephant doesn’t stop to throw stones at birds on trees J

There are thousands of other proverbs, quotes and inspirational sayings from Uganda, Africa as a whole and other continents. Some are funny; others are educative while others will sure leave you thinking; please share them with me or leave a comment. Or still, follow this blog for the wisdom of the African!