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.
They live in the Mbale, Sironko, Bududa, Manafa and Bulambuli districts of Uganda.
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 | Masaba, Bamasaba |
Population in Uganda | 1,937,000 |
World Population | 1,996,000 |
Total Countries | 2 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Unreached | No |
Progress Scale | 5 ● |
GSEC | 2 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Alternate Names | Gishu, Gisu |
People ID | 13561 |
ROP3 Code | 106370 |
Country | Uganda | ||
Region | East and Southern Africa | ||
Continent | Africa | ||
10/40 Window | No | ||
National Bible Society | Website | ||
Persecution Rank | Not ranked | ||
Location in Country | Bududa, Bukedea, and Kapchorwa, Manafwa, Mbale, and Sironko districts; Mount Elgon area. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Country | Uganda |
Region | East and Southern Africa |
Continent | Africa |
10/40 Window | No |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Location in Country | Bududa, Bukedea, and Kapchorwa, Manafwa, Mbale, and Sironko districts; Mount Elgon area.. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Primary Language | Masaaba (1,937,000 speakers) |
Language Code | myx Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Other People Groups | Speaking Masaaba |
Primary Language | Masaaba (1,937,000 speakers) |
Language Code | myx Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Masaaba |
Primary Language: Masaaba
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1904-1910) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1977-2011) |
Bible-Complete | Yes (2016) |
Bible-NT Audio | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | National Bible Societies |
Forum of Bible Agencies | World Bible Finder |
Gospel Go | World Bibles |
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name |
---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching (GRN) |
Audio Recordings | Online New Testament (FCBH) |
Film / Video | Jesus Film: view in Masaaba |
Text / Printed Matter | World Missionary Press Booklets |
Primary Religion: | Christianity |
Religion Subdivision: | Roman Catholic |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 32.00 %) |
83.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
10.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
5.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
2.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Christian Segments ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Anglican |
45.0 %
|
Independent |
0.0 %
|
Orthodox |
0.0 %
|
Other Christian |
0.0 %
|
Protestant |
5.0 %
|
Roman Catholic |
50.0 %
|
Photo Source | Catherine Mabongor |
Map Source | Anonymous |
Profile Source | Anonymous |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Read more |