The Abayyudaya of Nabugoye Hill, Uganda

The Abayudaya (Abayudaya is Luganda for "People of Judah") are a Jewish community in eastern Uganda, near the town of Mbale. They are devout in their practice, keeping kashrut and observing Shabbat. Throughout Uganda, there are about fifteen different villages where the Abayudaya live, including Nabugoye Hill.

The Abayudaya's population is estimated to number between 2,000 and 3,000; like their neighbors, they are subsistence farmers. They speak Luganda, Soga, or Gwere, and some have learned Hebrew as well.

The Jewish community of Nabugoye Hill supplements their income by selling hand-knitted kipot. If you would like to purchase one of their very colorful kippot in many different styles, please contact B’nai Israel Synagogue in Pensacola, Florida 100% of the purchase price goes to support the Jewish community of Nabugoye Hill.