Sebei

The Sebei are an ethnic group in eastern Uganda, principally inhabiting the Sebei sub-region, which comprises Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo districts. The sub-region lies on the northeastern edge of Uganda, near the Kenya border and at the foothills of Mount Elgon. The Sebei are known for a distinct language and cultural practices.

The Sebei language, also called Kupsabiny, is spoken by most Sebei people and is classified within the Nilotic language family. The community maintains traditional social structures, including kinship ties and age-set institutions, alongside influences from Christianity and modern Ugandan institutions.

Historically, the Sebei have been primarily agricultural and pastoral communities, growing crops such as maize, beans, and potatoes, and keeping cattle, goats, and sheep. Social and economic life revolves around family groups, with ceremonies and rites of passage playing central roles in community life.

Today, many Sebei communities practice subsistence farming while participating in regional markets and education systems. Development efforts in the sub-region focus on improving agricultural productivity, road networks, health, and schooling, with ongoing urbanization and diversification of livelihoods.