Do's and Dont's
Don’t talk to women about their pregnancies. There is such a high death rate of unborn children that most women see it as disrespectful to talk about (Visiting).
Don’t discuss personal matters unless you are really good friends. People are very private (Greetings).
Don’t talk to others about their relationships with the opposite sex. There can be many misconceptions (Greetings).
Don’t show affection in public. For example, boyfriend and girlfriend cannot hold hands or kiss in public (Gestures).
Don’t wash or sanitize your hands in front of a Ugandan before you eat. It is seen as rude and makes them feel like they are unclean (Eating).
Do pray before the meal. It is expected that either the visitor or the leader to lead the prayers for the meal (Eating).
Do understand that kids will not talk at the table unless they are asked a specific question. While many people who come to Uganda believe that the children are just quite, truth be told, it is not respectful for them to talk at the table unless asked (Eating).
Do kiss and shake hands while greeting depending on the gender. If the gender is the opposite sex a hand shake will be fine. But, if the person is of the same sex, it is likely that they will kiss you on the cheek while you shake hands (Greeting).
Do eat on a mat. Since you are a visitor they will most likely offer you a chair to sit on during the meal, but out of respect for the culture, decline the offer and sit and eat on the mat (Eating).
Do wear shorts or skirts that are below the knees. In this culture, women are expected to wear skirts that are appropriate and modest (Visiting).
Don’t talk to women about their pregnancies. There is such a high death rate of unborn children that most women see it as disrespectful to talk about (Visiting).
Don’t discuss personal matters unless you are really good friends. People are very private (Greetings).
Don’t talk to others about their relationships with the opposite sex. There can be many misconceptions (Greetings).
Don’t show affection in public. For example, boyfriend and girlfriend cannot hold hands or kiss in public (Gestures).
Don’t wash or sanitize your hands in front of a Ugandan before you eat. It is seen as rude and makes them feel like they are unclean (Eating).
Do pray before the meal. It is expected that either the visitor or the leader to lead the prayers for the meal (Eating).
Do understand that kids will not talk at the table unless they are asked a specific question. While many people who come to Uganda believe that the children are just quite, truth be told, it is not respectful for them to talk at the table unless asked (Eating).
Do kiss and shake hands while greeting depending on the gender. If the gender is the opposite sex a hand shake will be fine. But, if the person is of the same sex, it is likely that they will kiss you on the cheek while you shake hands (Greeting).
Do eat on a mat. Since you are a visitor they will most likely offer you a chair to sit on during the meal, but out of respect for the culture, decline the offer and sit and eat on the mat (Eating).
Do wear shorts or skirts that are below the knees. In this culture, women are expected to wear skirts that are appropriate and modest (Visiting).