Alternate Names: Banande, Bayira, Kinande, Kinandi, Nandi, Ndande, Ndandi, Northern Nande, Orundande
Dialects: Ekisongoora (Nyangala, Songola), Kumbule (Ekikumbule), Mate (Ekimate), Nande, Sanza (Ekisanza), Shu (Ekishu), Swaga (Ekikira, Ekiswaga), Tangi (Ekitangi), Yira (Ekiyira). Lexical similarity: 75% with Konzo ,; 65% with Hunde ,; 55% with Tembo , and Shi ,; 45% with Nyoro ,, Nyanga ,, and Lega-Shabunda ,; 40% with Talinga-Bwisi ,; 30% with Bhele ,; 25% with Amba ,.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 903,000 (1991 UBS).
Language Use: Used as L2 by Bhele [bhy].
Language Development: Bible: 1980–1996.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Other Comments: The Konzo (Bakonzo) in Uganda and Nande (Banande) in Democratic Republic of the Congo feel very much one people, Ethnic autonym: Bayira. They believe they originate from the Ruwenzori Mountains—the mountains belong to them and they to the mountains. This plays a very important role in their traditions and self-image. Christian.