The Nkole or Banyankole are a Bantu ethnic group native to Uganda. They primarily inhabit Ankole. They are closely related to other Bantu peoples of the region, namely the Nyoro, Kiga, Toro and Hema peoples.

Nkole people

Banyankole
Total population
3,216,332[1][2]
Regions with significant populations
Uganda
Languages
Runyankole and English
Religion
Predominantly Christianity and Ankole Religion; minority Islam
Related ethnic groups
other Rutara people (Bakiga, Batooro, Banyoro, Bahema, Bahaya and Baruuli)

Religion

The Banyankole tribe in Uganda is predominantly Christian, with a significant majority of its members practicing Christianity. The Banyankole people are primarily adherents of the Roman Catholic and Anglican (Church of Uganda) denominations. According to the 2002 Census of Uganda 52.6% of Banyankole are Anglican and 34.8% are Roman Catholic. A minority at 5.2% are Muslim and 4.6% Pentecostal.^[3]

Names

There are several names they are referred to as. These include the following ones: Ankole, Ankori, Banyankole, Banyankore, Nkoles, Nkore, Nyankole, Nyankore, Ouanyankori, Runyankole, Runyankore, Uluyankole, Uluyankore.^[4]