Bamasaba, Masaba in Uganda





Largest Religion

Main Language


Introduction / History

The Bamasaaba are a Bantu people group of about 1,000,000 who live in eastern Uganda, Mbale and Sironko Districts, adjacent to Mt. Elgon at the Kenyan border. They migrated from Kenya and were the first people to inhabit the western and southwestern slopes of Mt. Elgon (known as Mt. Masaba by the locals). The area is considered the food-basket of Uganda and is also known for producing high-quality Arabica coffee, the main cash crop.

The Bamasaaba are subsistence farmers, growing bananas, sweet and Irish potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, maize, beans, carrots, passion fruit and onions. They also raise cattle and other livestock and trade on a small scale. The main custom that distinguishes them from other tribes is their tradition of male circumcision. They see this rite as their defining feature as a tribe. They also have different naming rituals and worship a different local god than their neighbors although the majority belongs to one of the many Christian churches in the area. The problem they face is the dense population and minimal land; a father's land is inherited by all of his sons, so the land is being divided further and further into very small plots.

Where are they Located?

They live in the Mbale, Sironko, Bududa, Manafa and Bulambuli districts of Uganda.

What are Their Needs?

They need proper housing; especially housing situations that can withstand floods and landslides. They also need clean drinking water.

Profile Source:   Anonymous  

Expanded PDF Profile

People Name General Masaba
People Name in Country Bamasaba, Masaba
Population in Uganda 1,855,000
World Population 1,910,000
Countries 2
Progress Scale 3.2
Least-Reached No
Indigenous Yes
Alternate Names Gishu, Gisu
Affinity Bloc Sub-Saharan Peoples
People Cluster Bantu, Central-Lakes
People Name General Masaba
Ethnic Code NAB57d
People ID 13561
Country Uganda
Region East and Southern Africa
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country East, Mbale and Sirinko districts, adjacent to Mount Elgon.   Source:  Ethnologue 2010
Masaaba (1,855,000)
Masaaba 1,855,000
Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible Portions Yes   (1904-1910)
New Testament Yes   (1977-2011)
Complete Bible No
Audio Bible Online
Format Resource
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching (GRN)
Audio Recordings Online New Testament (FCBH)
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Masaaba

Major Religion Percent
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 25.00 %)
83.00 %
Ethnic Religions
10.00 %
0.00 %
5.00 %
0.00 %
Other / Small
2.00 %
0.00 %

Christian Segments Percent
45.0 %
0.0 %
0.0 %
Other Christian
0.0 %
5.0 %
Roman Catholic
50.0 %
Photo Source: Anonymous  
Map Source: Anonymous  
Profile Source: Anonymous  
Data Sources: Data is compiled from various sources. Read more
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